Roger J. Dennis, provost of Rutgers–Camden since 1997, will step down at the end of the semester to become the head of a new law school at Drexel University in Philadelphia.
Dennis, an expert on corporate and antitrust law, has spent 26 years at Rutgers–Camden, including six years as dean of its law school.
“During Roger's tenure as provost, Rutgers–Camden has built a reputation for excellence and has brought new energy and vitality to the city and the region,” said President Richard L. McCormick in a January 29 email to the university community.
Among other accomplishments, Dennis helped launch the Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs and the new Ph.D. program in childhood studies, the first doctoral program to be offered on the Camden Campus. McCormick described Dennis as “an invaluable adviser and an always insightful and creative member of my cabinet . .... His natural warmth and wit have brightened many a discussion of Rutgers' challenges and opportunities.”
Drexel's College of Law opened in August 2006 with about 200 first-year students. Dennis will be charged with guiding the school through the American Bar Association's multiyear accreditation process, which will begin in the fall.
McCormick said he would announce the appointment of an interim provost until a successor can be named.