Chancellor Tillis Highlights Impact of Transformative Initiatives in Annual Spring Address
With blooms yet to appear on the foliage across campus, Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis welcomed the Rutgers–Camden community to the Walter K. Gordon Theater yesterday to share an update on several transformative and notable developments across campus as well as an update on the overall state of the university in his annual spring address.
“I am proud of the significant strides we are making,” said Chancellor Tillis. “While acknowledging important areas for growth, I am confident that the university is well-positioned to excel, building upon our positive achievements and advancing our institution to even greater heights.”
After a festive jazz performance by the Daniel Spearman Trio, Chancellor Tillis welcomed three individuals to the stage who had been enriched by the 15-in-5 initiatives. The initiative was launched in 2022 to support access to scholarly and professional endeavors. Since its inception, the university has committed more than $2.9 million, which has helped 71 faculty, 49 staff, and 338 students.
Dr. Angélica González, associate professor of biology, received a Chancellor’s Grant for Faculty Research, which allowed her to further her study of the long-term ecological dynamics of the Atacama desert in Chile.
“What sets this project apart is our approach of combining ancient DNA with traditional morphological methods to analyze entire arthropod communities rather than focusing on individual species,” said González. “This interdisciplinary effort allows us to explore big-picture questions about how desert ecosystems have responded to climate changes over millennia and how they might respond to future climate shifts.”
Rachel Ehrenberg, assistant director of marketing for Rutgers School of Business–Camden, shared how she was able to attend the Carnegie Higher Ed Marketing Conference with the support of a Chancellor's Grant for Staff Development.
“I was able to engage with the latest trends in higher ed marketing, network with thought leaders, and bring fresh, data-driven strategies back to campus—strategies that will help us connect with prospective students in more personalized and meaningful ways,” said Ehrenberg.
The audience was then introduced to Shaan Mody, a senior majoring in biology, who received a Chancellor’s Grant for Student Research to support his independent research on genetic regulation. He shared that while the knowledge he gained from the experience was important, the skills he gained were possibly more important.
“I learned how to think critically, troubleshoot experiments, and approach challenges with patience and persistence,” Mody said. “I developed hands-on expertise with techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and confocal microscopy, but more importantly, I learned how to adapt, problem-solve, and collaborate—skills that extend far beyond the lab.”
The afternoon also included updates on enrollment, student retention, the fiscal health of the university, and various achievements and awards received by faculty and students, including Rutgers–Camden’s four Fullbright fellowship semi-finalists, the university’s Truman Scholar finalist, and the inaugural Schwarzman Scholar.
In closing, Chancellor Tillis offered hope for the future despite some of the challenges that could lie ahead, especially for higher education.
“I truly appreciate all you contribute to our collective effort to serve students, alumni, the community, and our world,” said Tillis. “Please know that as we all live through these unprecedented times in our sector, higher education, we will remain steadfast in our efforts to elevate Rutgers–Camden and to protect our beloved community.”
