Former Assemblyman Among 3 New Trustees at Rowan College at Burlington County

Three new members of the Rowan College at Burlington County Board of Trustees were sworn in on Tuesday, the college announced on Thursday.

Former state Assemblyman Chris Brown and communications professional Linda Hughes were appointed by the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders last month. Kevin Wright, the 2016 Valedictorian, will serve as the non-voting alumni trustee.

“The interest from the community and the caliber of potential trustees continue to grow along with the status of Rowan College at Burlington County,” Burlington County Freeholder Mary Anne O’Brien said. “Trustees Brown, Hughes and Wright are impressive additions to the board who will bring valuable professional experience as the college implements its partnership with Rowan University, our innovative Workforce Development Institute and the Mount Laurel campus transformation.”

Brown, of Evesham Township, has served his community in a number of elected positions including Evesham Township councilman, freeholder and most recently assemblyman from 2012 through 2016.

He is the founder and chief executive of Castle Realty Management, which employs more than 130 people in several offices throughout New Jersey. He holds a degree in political science from The College of New Jersey.

“When so many families struggle with high costs of college, Rowan College at Burlington County has brought affordability back to higher education, Brown said. “This is an exciting opportunity for me to begin a new chapter of public service that will have a real impact on students’ ability to afford high-quality education and develop workforce programs that will make a difference in Burlington County and the region.”

Hughes, of Evesham Township, is a senior communications associate with BAYADA Home Health Care and serves on a number of municipal and county boards including the Burlington County Board of Social Services, Evesham Township Zoning Board, Burlington County Republican Committee and the Center for the Arts of Southern New Jersey.

She holds a degree in communications with a public relations specialization from Rowan University.

“I was thrilled to see the only college in Burlington County create such a ground-breaking initiative with my alma mater and I want to help make sure these benefits are available throughout Burlington County and the region,” Hughes said. “Rowan College at Burlington County is earning a reputation as national leader in high-quality and affordable education. I’m honored to join this team.”

Wright, originally from Britain, graduated from Rowan College at Burlington County in May with a 4.0. He earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Thomas Jefferson University in June.

He’s overcome struggles with dyslexia to become a registered nurse at Hampton Behavioral Hospital in Westampton. He is also pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania.

“Rowan College at Burlington County really made a tremendous difference in my life and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work closely with the college’s officials to help others transform their lives through education,” Wright said. “I’m honored to represent my fellow students and look forward to another rewarding educational experience at RCBC.”

“The momentum of our accomplishment in making Rowan College at Burlington County the most affordable path to a college degree in the country is exciting and we will be further energized by new members who bring fresh and enhanced perspectives to our board,” Board Chair George Nyikita said.

“We all bring many different viewpoints, but share a singular vision of transforming lives through innovative, high-quality and affordable educational experiences,” Rowan College at Burlington County President Paul Drayton said. “The board has supported our students every step of the way and I know that Trustees Brown, Hughes and Wright will exemplify that spirit.”

The attached image of the new Rowan College at Burlington County trustees was provided by the college