3+1 Grad Named Rowan College At Burlington County Alumni Trustee

A 3+1 student alumni has been appointed to the Rowan College at Burlington County Board of Trustees for the first time, the college announced on Wednesday. Cassadie Hynd, who graduated in May, has joined the board as an Alumni Trustee.

The alumni trustee is a non-voting position with a one-year term. Hynd is replacing Kevin Wright, the college’s inspirational valedictorian in 2016 who overcame dyslexia and the lack of a formal high school education to earn his associate degree at Rowan College at Burlington County, nursing degree from Thomas Jefferson University and is now pursuing a master’s degree in nursing.

Rowan College at Burlington County is the first community college in this region of the country to offer junior-year courses. The 3+1 program allows students to save $75,000 while completing an associate degree and Rowan University bachelor’s degree.

Since debuting in January, the college says roughly 380 students have committed to the program with 560 more interested in it.

“3+1 has transformed higher education in Burlington County,” said Freeholder Linda Hughes, who serves as education liaison. “This innovative program sets Rowan College at Burlington County apart from colleges throughout the nation while helping develop leaders such as Trustee Hynd.”

Hynd was part of the Rowan College at Burlington County Foundation’s Dress for Success program, and will continue in her role as vice president of service in the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

“It’s an honor to represent Rowan College at Burlington County in the community as an alumni trustee,” Hynd said. “As one of the first students in the 3+1 program, I look forward to showing the community about the success and leadership opportunities that RCBC offers to students.”

Hynd is currently enrolled in the college’s 3+1 program for psychology. She plans to pursue her master’s degree and become a therapist and open her own practice.

“3+1 provides an exceptional opportunity to our students and we’re so thrilled to welcome a 3+1 pioneer to our board,” Rowan College at Burlington County Board Chair George Nyikita said. “Students are our top priority and we value the opportunity to have students formally represented on our board of trustees.”

Hynd also works at two jobs. She works at the college’s library circulation desk and as a bank teller. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, listening to music, going out to eat and spending time with nature.

“As 3+1 leads our Rowan College at Burlington County forward into the future, students in the 3+1 program are true leaders in their community,” Rowan College at Burlington County President Paul Drayton said. “I look forward to working with Trustee Hynd and our growing number of 3+1 students who represent the vanguard of higher education.”

For more information about RCBC’s 3+1 program, visit rcbc.edu/3plus1.

Attached image of Cassadie Hynd was provided by Rowan College at Burlington County