RCSJ’s Cumberland Campus Hosts New Jersey All-State Academic Team Awards Ceremony

Vineland – Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) hosted the New Jersey All-State Academic Team Awards ceremony on Friday, April 10, at its Cumberland campus. This year, 46 students from the state's 18 community colleges were named to the 2026 New Jersey All-State Academic Team.

Shawn Rutter, co-advisor for RCSJ’s PTK chapters, described the importance of RCSJ hosting this year’s award ceremony.

“Hosting the New Jersey All-State Academic Team event was an opportunity to celebrate excellence, dedication, and the transformative power of a community college education. By bringing these scholars together, we not only recognize their achievements but also inspire a continued commitment to higher education across New Jersey.”

New Jersey’s 18 community colleges serve 240,000 students across 49 campus locations and provide affordable, high-quality academic and workforce programs that expand access to education and economic opportunities, while preparing students to participate in the state’s skilled and innovative workforce.

All honorees are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for community college students, and were nominated by their college leaders for their academic performance, leadership, and contributions to both campus and community. This year’s RCSJ honorees include:

• Icelyn C. – Psychology (3+1 Program)

• Paityn K. – Computer Graphic Arts: Game/Interactive Design

• Andre R. – Physics

• Sarah W. – Nursing

Students selected to the 2026 All-State Academic Team represent a broad range of academic disciplines, including biology (pre-medicine), business administration, education, engineering, healthcare, liberal arts, physics, psychology, and the sciences. The group includes students who plan to transfer to four-year institutions and those entering the workforce after graduation.

Honoree, Paityn K., expressed gratitude for receiving this designation.

“I feel so honored to have my hard work recognized and that it is paying off. I am so honored to even be a part of the New Jersey All-State Academic team, it is an amazing accomplishment, and it is one of the highest honors I’ve received. Thank you so much for all you do and for recognizing students like me who put in the hard work.”

To learn more about PTK, visit RCSJ.edu/PTK or contact srutter@rcsj.edu or jriggio1@rcsj.edu.