Interim Chancellor Jeffrey Robinson's Announcement on Priorities, New Appointments

Hello Rutgers University-Newark.

It is my honor to serve you all as the Interim Chancellor for this fiscal year. After a decade of growth under the leadership of Dr. Nancy Cantor, we are poised to further our excellence in scholarship, teaching, and anchor mission work.

And yet, there are challenges ahead. Over the past few weeks in conversations with Deans, members of the Chancellor’s team and others, we have agreed to focus on three priorities for the coming year: (1) increasing enrollment and improving the student experience; (2) working towards better budget awareness and financial sustainability across RU-N; and (3) improving our branding, marketing strategy and communications. As members of the Rutgers-Newark community, we will all need to work collaboratively to meet these priorities.

As we begin a new year, let me provide you a brief update on the organizational changes within the Office of the Chancellor for Rutgers University-Newark. As previously announced, Dr. Bonita Veysey will take on the role of Interim Provost and Executive Vice-Chancellor while I am serving as the Interim Chancellor.

Arcelio Aponte is returning to Rutgers-Newark to take on the role of Sr. Vice Chancellor for Administration & Economic Development and the Chief Financial Officer. Arcelio will assume this role in late August. Mary Tamasco, the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Budget & Administrative Services, will be the primary contact for the finance and administration area until Arcelio arrives.

Dr. Corlisse Thomas, Sr. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, has been chosen to participate in the prestigious ACE (American Council on Education) fellowship and will be away this academic year. Please join me in wishing Corlisse the best as she embarks on this exciting opportunity. Erica Williams, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Students Affairs & Dean of Students, has agreed to serve as the Acting Senior Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and assume the responsibilities of this position until Corlisse returns to Rutgers-Newark at the beginning of fiscal year 2026.

In the coming weeks, we are committed to keeping you updated on the organizational updates within the Office of the Chancellor. We are also committed to keeping you engaged and updated on the three priorities for the year.

I am excited for this opportunity to serve you; work with you and continue the legacy of opportunity and excellence we have at Rutgers University-Newark.

In partnership,

Jeffrey A. Robinson, Ph.D.
Interim Chancellor
Prudential Chair in Business