New Rutgers merger details emerge

Written by Lucas K. Murray. Courier-Post Staff

CAMDEN — Gov. Chris Christie was mum Tuesday on potential changes to a proposed merger of Rutgers-Camden and Rowan University, but critics of the governor’s original plan had plenty to say.

Camden activists (from left) Eulisis Delgado, Mangaliso Davis and the Rev. Eddie Torres protest Tuesday outside a groundbreaking event for the Cooper Cancer Institute. Davis holds a sign opposing the proposed school merger. / JOHN ZIOMEK/Courier-Post

Rutgers-Camden Chancellor Wendell Pritchett, who has previously assailed Christie’s plan to combine the schools under Rowan’s name, said he was “encouraged” by recent talks intended to “preserve and strengthen” his university.

“Rutgers-Camden would remain Rutgers-Camden in terms of our name and all that we value about the campus,” Pritchett said, describing a “framework” for a revised merger plan.

Under that scenario, Pritchett said in a statement, “Our current and future students would earn Rutgers degrees; faculty would continue to hold their tenure with Rutgers; staff would remain employees of our campus; and our alumni would retain their identities as Rutgers graduates.”

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