Honoring and Remembering the Legacy of Former Rutgers–Camden Provost and Walter Rand Institute Champion Roger J. Dennis
July 22, 2025
The Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs at Rutgers-Camden (WRI) mourns the loss of Roger J. Dennis, a visionary leader whose legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of Rutgers University–Camden and the broader South Jersey region.
Former provost of Rutgers–Camden (1997 – 2007) Roger Dennis was instrumental in shaping the university’s trajectory as a hub for academic excellence, civic engagement, and regional impact. Roger Dennis was an academic leader and champion for Camden. He envisioned a university that was not only in the city but of the city. The Walter Rand Institute owes its very existence to Dennis’ foresight and dedication. Under his leadership, the Institute was established to honor the legacy of Senator Walter Rand by advancing policy-relevant research that serves the people of Southern New Jersey. His belief in the power of data-driven policy and community collaboration continues to guide our mission 25 years later.
Dennis’ efforts further led to the creation of the Camden Special Services Improvement District, the revitalization of Cooper Street, and the renovation of Johnson Park. Through these efforts, he firmly established Rutgers–Camden as an anchor institution – one that uplifts and partners with its surrounding community.
As we mark 25 years of the Institute that he helped build, Roger Dennis’ passing is bittersweet. We will remember him fondly as one of the driving forces behind the Institute’s creation, and his efforts shine through each research project we undertake.
WRI stands as a living tribute to his vision of scholarship and collaboration in service to local communities. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, and we will continue to honor his memory through our work across South Jersey and the State.
About the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs
The Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs (WRI) at Rutgers–Camden has been a long-standing and trusted regional community partner for over 25 years. WRI honors former Senator Rand’s dedication to Southern New Jersey and exists to produce and highlight community-focused research and evaluation leading to sound public policy and practice in the region. With that as a foundation, WRI convenes and engages stakeholders in making the connections across research, policy, and practice in support of Camden City and Southern New Jersey residents. Using social science research methods, WRI specializes in transforming data into actionable information across a variety of areas, including workforce development, education, transportation, and public/population health. WRI reinforces and amplifies Rutgers’ research, teaching, and service goals by connecting the multidisciplinary expertise of faculty to regional problems, developing research and professional skills in students, and linking the resources of higher education to communities in Southern New Jersey.