2026-27 Senate Leadership Nominations and Campaign Statements - Rutgers University Senate Skip to main content

Please note: Some election results have not been received by the Senate Executive Secretary, particularly those for students. Nominations may be made from the floor during the appropriate portion of the election meeting, but only if the nominee’s election to the Senate has been certified in writing to the Senate Executive Secretary by the unit’s dean, designated dean’s representative, or student governing association advisor, as appropriate. If there are no eligible nominees in a category, a special election will be held at the September or October 2026 Senate meeting.

Click on the nominees’ names below to read their campaign statements. Nominees marked with an asterisk must have their election to the Senate confirmed before the election is held.

CHAIR (Elect One)

Lucille Foster, Newark (Staff)

Anna Haley, School of Social Work (Faculty)

VICE CHAIR (Elect One)

Paul Boxer, SAS-N (Faculty)

Brian K. Everett, Camden (Staff)

Wendy Purcell, School of Public Health (Faculty)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FACULTY

Camden (Elect One)

Timothy Knievel, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Camden (Faculty)

New Brunswick (Elect One)

Sara Campbell, School of Arts and Sciences, NB (Faculty)

Rob Scott, School of Arts and Sciences, NB (Faculty)

Newark (Elect One)

Michelle Gittelman, Rutgers Business School: N/NB (N Faculty)

Adam Kustka, School of Arts and Sciences, N (Faculty)

Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (Elect One)

At-Large (Elect Two)
[This category is populated at election time by those Executive Committee faculty nominees who do not prevail in the CLU-specific elections above.]

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE LECTURER FACULTY (Elect One)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ALUMNI (Elect One)

Rochelle Andrews, Alumni Association

Rachel Maeng Brown, Alumni Association

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE STAFF (Elect One)

Jonathan Langowski, RBHS (Staff) 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE STUDENTS

Camden (Elect One)

Amisha Rastogi, Camden College of Arts and Sciences, (Student)

New Brunswick (Elect One)

Nathaniel Paris, Mason Gross School of the Arts (Student)

Andrew Rombach, School of Management and Labor Relations, (Student)

Newark (Elect One)

Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (Elect One)

BOARD OF GOVERNORS FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE (Elect One)

Suzanne Crincoli, School of Nursing (Faculty)

Heather Pierce, Lecturer- NB (Faculty)

BOARD OF GOVERNORS STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE (Elect One)

Chidera Ntiwunka-Ifeanyi, School of Graduate Studies (Student)

Gavin Walker-Mason, School of Arts and Sciences-N (Student)

BOARD OF TRUSTEES FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE (Elect Two)

David Salas de la Cruz, Camden At-Large (Faculty)

Robert Schwartz, RBHS At-Large (Faculty)

BOARD OF TRUSTEES UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE (Elect One)

Prithika Chintala, Rutgers Business School: Undergraduate NB (Student)

BOARD OF TRUSTEES GRADUATE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE (Elect One)

MEMBERS OF THE POLICY APPROVAL COMMITTEE (Elect Two)

NJ-MADC SENATE REPRESENTATIVE (Elect One)


 

Campaign Statements

 

Chair

Lucille Foster

Colleagues,

It has been a privilege to serve the Rutgers Senate, and I want to thank you for all your hard work and dedication.

Shared governance, to me, is the foundation of a strong and effective Senate. It is the practice of ensuring that decisions are informed by the collective voices of our community—staff, faculty, students, alumni and administration—through open dialogue, mutual respect, and transparency. Its application requires not only access to information, but also intentional space for diverse perspectives, and ensuring that each single voice contributes to the conversation. I believe we have played a critical role in modeling this balance and fostering an environment where meaningful engagement leads to informed decision-making.

Critical Issues & Approach:

  • Sustaining Productive Engagement with Administration
    Build on the progress made in fostering ongoing dialogue with central administration, ensuring their continued presence, responsiveness, and partnership in addressing key issues facing the Rutgers community.
  • Strengthening Transparency and Communication
    Continue improving clarity around decision-making processes by ensuring timely sharing of agendas, materials, and outcomes, while creating more consistent opportunities for two-way communication.
  • Expanding Inclusive Participation
    Actively engage a broader cross-section of senators by encouraging dialogue, elevating underrepresented voices, and maintaining balance so that discussions reflect the full Senate—not just the most vocal participants.

I remain committed to advancing a Senate culture rooted in collaboration, integrity, and shared responsibility.

Respectfully,

Lucy Foster

Meeting Attendance: Present for all meetings for years 2024-2025, 2025-2026.

Back to Top

Anna Haley

I’m running for Senate Chair out of my commitment to Rutgers shared governance and to the Senate as its most inclusive expression. Our cross-campus, cross-constituency representation is a distinctive strength, one the Chair should actively steward: internally, by cultivating broad participation and leadership; and externally, by sustaining engagement with Rutgers’ leadership, governing boards, and our constituents. The Chair should also work with Senate members and leadership to develop guidance that reflects our constituencies and is well-positioned to inform University decision making.
Three issues feel key to chairing now:
  • positioning the Senate with new central leadership – by strengthening relationships with the President’s team, key administrators, and Board of Governors; clarifying expectations for engagement; and including more Senate leadership in these interactions to promote transparency and continuity in our advisory role;
  • increasing the Senate’s impact – by supporting the development of actionable recommendations and thorough follow-up with administration to advance their implementation;
  • and strengthening the Senate as a governing body – by cultivating leadership at all levels, supporting committee work, deepening coordination with shared governance partners, and expanding engagement with our constituents.
I’ve served in the Senate since 2018, including three terms on the EC, 1.5 years as FPAC co-chair, and two terms as faculty representative to the Board of Trustees; since April 2025 I’ve co-chaired the Senate’s MADC Taskforce and now serve as a representative to the NJ-MADC. I am also concluding my third term as Chair of the New Brunswick Faculty Council. I would be honored to serve the Senate as Chair.
Meeting Attendance: Present for all meetings during the years 2024-2025, 2025-2026.

Vice Chair

Paul Boxer

Colleagues, I am asking for your vote for the position of vice chair of the University Senate. The Senate is the collective voice of the Rutgers community and a major venue for shared governance across all sectors of the University. The Senate is where we come together representing different corners and interests of the University to work towards collaborative and equitable solutions for all. My primary goal as vice chair will be to keep us moving forward towards more and better engagement with Rutgers administrators and governing boards while ensuring the full inclusion and representation of all the campuses and schools of the university: this is the spirit of shared governance.

I have served as a Senator since 2021 and have represented Newark faculty on the Senate Executive Committee since 2023. I co-chaired the Faculty and Personnel Affairs Committee from 2022-2024, and I currently chair the Ad Hoc Committee on Cross-Campus Equity. If elected, my focus as vice chair will center on three issues:

  1. Shared Governance. I will promote greater engagement of the Senate with university leadership and governing boards and facilitate the involvement of Senators on university-wide decision-making committees related to budgeting and management.
  2. Campus Equity: I will continue working to ensure that students, staff, and faculty across all campuses feel equitably included and supported as members of the Rutgers community.
  3. Transparency and Communication: I will amplify transparency in Senate deliberations and actions and increase our capacity to communicate directly with our constituencies.

Thank you.

Meeting Attendance:

Attended all meetings for years 2024-2025, 2025-2026.

Back to Top

Brian K. Everett

Shared Governance is Rutgers University’s best opportunity to excel during times of massive and rapid changes throughout the higher education landscape. Most universities are complex people-focused enterprises, and Rutgers is no different. Shared Governance is an excellent vehicle for sharing information, insights, and concerns across our expansive New Jersey footprint. By asking questions, sharing experiences, and aspiring to greater achievements, Shared Governance allows the university community to collectively work efficiently and productively with central and campus leadership, and vice versa. When we jointly embark on enhancing the student experience, contributing to the health of New Jersey, and promoting fulfilling careers – that’s when Rutgers shines as an ideal model for shared governance across the country.

Issue 1 – Zoom is great, but we miss out on truly connected experiences. I want University Senators to come to see our Camden Campus again, and I’d love to visit New Brunswick and Newark like I did through the Senate prior to the pandemic. Perhaps Campus Report meetings can be hosted in person, or, maybe our Senate Socials take turns across the state.

Issue 2 – Understanding the gaps. We discuss many things in the Senate, but I worry we miss opportunities to promote well-rounded solutions for the University. Continued face time with fellow senators, constituencies, and leadership can help.

Issue 3 – Belief. We have to believe in our strength as a University again. Continued investment in being present, in seeing colleagues in-person, and gaining greater understanding of our University’s path forward will boost morale, and collective belief in Rutgers’ excellence.

Meeting Attendance:

Attended all meetings for year 2025-2026, attended all meets except one for one in year 2024-2025.

Back to Top

Wendy Purcell

I respectfully offer my candidacy for Vice Chair to advance shared governance, strengthen our collective impact, and convey the richness of Senators’ views. Serving as Vice Chair has been a privilege and continuing in this role would provide important stability at a time significant change in our university.

I have earned your confidence through service in roles that prepared me well for this position. As Co-Chair of the University Structure and Governance Committee, Faculty Representative to the Board of Trustees, Senator-at-Large to the Executive Committee, and Vice Chair, I have helped shape our agenda and served as a trusted advisor to the Chair and Executive Committee.

Our Senate now enjoys stronger visibility and plays a more active role in shaping the future of our university—an embodiment of shared governance in action.

My leadership style is grounded in active listening, collaboration, and purpose with a commitment to timely action, delivery, and meaningful impact. I work to advance outcomes that support our mission and sustain relationships. My effectiveness reflects my ability to engage thoughtfully with complexity, data, and strategic risk. I stay informed about developments in higher education to strengthen my Senate work. I draw on the Senate’s collective wisdom to serve the interests of our students, staff, and faculty.

The Senate’s work is vital to sustaining Rutgers’ success. As Vice Chair, I commit to amplifying its leadership, contributions, and positive influence. Together, we can ensure the Senate remains a trusted, effective voice guiding Rutgers through change with clarity and purpose.

Thank you for your kind consideration and support.

Warm regards,

Professor Wendy M. Purcell PhD FRSA

Committee Membership

2025-2026 Co-Chair, University Structure and Governance Committee

2025-2026 Executive Committee

2025-2026 Board of Trustees Faculty Representative

2024-2025 Co-Chair, University Structure and Governance Committee

2024-2025 Board of Trustees Faculty Representative

2023-2024 Member, University Structure and Governance Committee

2023-2024 Member, Ad Hoc Committee Medical (Schools) Merger

Senate Attendance Record

2025-2026 Present at ALL Senate meetings

2024-2025 Present at ALL Senate meetings

2023-2024 Present at ALL Senate meeting

Back to Top

Executive Committee Camden Faculty

Timothy Knievel

I’m running to serve on the executive committee to represent the viewpoints and interests of my fellow Camden and NTT colleagues. During my tenure as co-chair of the University Senate’s Information Technology Committee, we have increasingly focused on the potential promise and perils of artificial intelligence for our mission as an institution of higher learning. While the Senate has many issues of concern to address in these challenging times, I would do my part to ensure that A.I. remains a priority item on our shared agenda.

Back to Top

Executive Committee New Brunswick Faculty

Sara Campbell

Senate Colleagues: My name is Sara Campbell from the Department of Kinesiology and Health at Rutgers-New Brunswick. I have been a tenure track professor for 16 going on 17 years and in the senate for 4 going on 5 years now where I serve in FPAC, and most recently as co-chair of that committee.

First, many thanks to Paul Boxer for the nomination. Your support is very much appreciated.

If elected as New Brunswick Faculty Representative to the Executive Committee, I will follow the framework of share governance using trust, transparency, and clearly defined responsibilities for issues essential for effective functioning, and academic freedom and integrity. I hope to do this by:

  • Pursuing diverse input and perspectives.
  • Practicing inclusiveness to ensure my colleagues feel that they have a seat at the table to openly discuss problems and solutions; and
  • Promoting equity to ensure structure for conflict resolution guided by ethical practices.

There are many critical issues and tasks ahead. I will work hard and collaboratively for Rutgers-New Brunswick. Thank you for your time and I am hopeful for your support.

Back to Top 

Rob Scott

My view of shared governance is that we need rules that empower faculty, staff, and students to make meaningful contributions and exercise real power and oversight. Sometimes we have those rules, and, in these cases, we need to take advantage of them. In other cases, we need to push to have a greater role. Three examples of improving shared governance are: We need better more and powerful communication when we act as a Senate. This means we must have access to the all Rutgers email list. We need representation on a budget committee at every stage of budgeting. We have meaningful contributions to make. That representation would have prevented the ‘wine and cheese money error’ where 37 people were laid off and 99 classes canceled just to be restored after much push back. We need to defend academic freedom with great zeal and that defense is deeply connected to the role of faculty as those who set the curriculum.

Back to Top

Executive Committee Newark Faculty

Adam Kustka

It has been my privilege to serve in the Rutgers Senate since 2015, including as chair of RGPEC for three years, co-chair of the ad hoc committee on the efficacy of the GRE, a member of the Appeals Panel on Infosilem implementation, and a member of the ad hoc committee on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion that led to the formation of ABIDE, where I currently serve. I participate on the Newark Faculty Council with colleagues from across our campus. I value collaboration across the Rutgers ecosystem and am prepared to serve effectively on the Executive Committee.
Shared governance is a formalized mechanism through which Senators participate in decision-making on matters central to our academic mission. While the Senate serves as an advisory body to the President, meaningful shared governance depends on clear and timely communication and principled advocacy—especially when external forces affect our community and our ability to carry out the university mission.
Strengthening dialogue between the President and the Senate
I would explore mechanisms to improve communication on time-sensitive resolutions and the resultant presidential dispositions.
Improving clarity of Senate resolutions
I would support stronger drafting standards and committee review processes to ensure resolutions are clear before reaching the floor so that we may focus on substantive debate.
Supporting transparency and consistency in shared governance processes
I would support and work to further develop practices that reinforce transparency and consistency to ensure senators’ confidence in the Senate’s efficacy remains strong, particularly during periods of institutional or external pressure.

Michelle Gittelman

I’m an Associate Professor of Management at the Rutgers Business School (Newark-New Brunswick).  Over the past six years, I have gained expertise on Rutgers’ financial situation, our budgeting system (Responsibility Center Management) and the processes that govern the resource allocation process.  I currently serve as co-chair  of the Senate Budget  and Finance Committee.  My goal of serving on the EC is to bring my knowledge of budget matters to the project of helping  Rutgers become a strong, financially healthy, and academically excellent institution.  Rutgers is a very complex organization, with a $5.9 budget, 70,000 students, a Medical School, three different campuses, agricultural stations, and more.  Given its scale and complexity, it is not easy to understand how processes can be improved, and how shared governance can be meaningfully implemented.  Yet understanding of the budget system is essential, as it is the tangible expression of our shared priorities in achieving our core mission.  I hope to help the EC become more effective particularly in this critical domain.

My goals for shared governance include:

  • Transparency:  information that is understandable by anyone, and allows for “good” questions to be asked of financial decision-makers
  • Accountability:  Holding those making decisions accountable to the people affected by those decisions
  • Participation:  Decentralizing aspects of information-gathering and decision-making to allow for input from those directly affected by budget decisions

 

Thank you and I hope to continue to serve on the Senate on the Executive Committee

 

Back to Top 

Executive Committee RBHS Faculty

Executive Committee Lecturer Faculty

Executive Committee Alumni

Rachel Maeng Brown

As we continue to advocate for shared governance, I want to ensure our words match our actions. As alumni, we represent the largest constituency yet have the lowest participation and voice in the Senate. Although alumni become employed by the university, our advocacy and work should reflect the thoughts and opinions of alumni, who were once students at Rutgers. We can build upon our work through access, accountability, and opportunityAccess—I have met with members of RUSA and student leaders to begin scheduling regular meetings between RUSA, alumni senators/RUAA, and SAAC, the governing body of student-athletes (which has not been present in RUSA since my student term). We will collaborate on bringing charges to the Senate that will impact current and future students across all Rutgers campuses. Accountability—we only had 4 out of 7 meetings of our alumni senators this year, with little to no notification. If we are to represent the alumni, we need to be present and show up for them. As an executive board member, I want our alumni senators to be aware of e-board conversations so they can represent the alumni. Opportunity—during this semester I have worked with RUAA members to advocate for a position for an alumni senator on the board for 2026-2027 and to establish scheduled meetings between RUAA and the senators (based on their 3 annual meetings). To be most effective for current and former students, we need to pool our knowledge and resources and establish better procedures and practices.

  • Increase shared governance among students and the senate by bringing the student athlete advisory committee (SAAC) and  RUSA together in collaborations
  • Better reflect the diverse thoughts and opinions of all alumni by establishing more RUAA and Alumni Senator collaboration, co-meetings, and better communication with alumni.
  • Increase alumni visibility and engagement in the senate

Rochelle Andrews 

I think of shared governance as a collaborative structure for decision making in organizations. In an academic setting I see it as staff, faculty, students and alumni sharing the responsibility with administration and boards to set policy, procedures, and strategic direction. This sharing partnership, accountability, and transparency to align institutional goals for all the constituents. This form of governance also allows for voices of all types of ages, experiences and titles to be part of the process and heard. The Rutgers Senate is an important part of keeping Rutgers as a leading academic institution. The variety of those serving from all parts of the Rutgers universe allow for us to collaborate for the greater good and keep the voice of all the people of Rutgers heard and represented. Three Issues I see facing the Rutgers Senate As an alumni, I think we need to get more alumni connected to the senate. This can be done by creating a stronger tie to the Alumni Association, currently there is not one. Finding ways to have more actual binding power to fulfill issues that come up in the senate. This happens by us continuing to push for more interaction and showing we are putting in the work together. Find better ways to handle disagreements in senate meetings. Perhaps having discussions outside meeting times can help. Meeting time limits can make people ornery and rule breakers.

Back to Top

Executive Committee Staff

Jonathan Langowski

My understanding of shared governance is that Rutgers works best when the people closest to teaching, learning, research, and operations are involved in decision-making early, not after decisions are already made. The Senate is where that principle becomes practice. It is a place to test ideas, surface consequences across campuses and units, and turn concerns into evidence-based recommendations. My work in academic affairs at the School of Dental Medicine, along with prior roles in student success, advising, curriculum, and faculty development, has shown me how much stronger policy becomes when it is informed by the people doing the work every day.

  1. Strengthening communication and accountability in shared governance. Senators should not only vote, but also report back, gather feedback, and make Senate work more visible and useful to the communities we represent.
  2. Advancing cross-campus equity in academic and work environments. Students, staff, and faculty should be able to expect fair access to support, advising, resources, and opportunity regardless of campus or unit. I would bring a data-informed, student-centered approach to those conversations.
  3. Protecting academic excellence during financial and policy uncertainty. Budget pressures and shifting external conditions should not erode student learning, faculty support, or staff capacity. I would advocate for practical policy review, transparent processes, and solutions that strengthen both people and institutional effectiveness.

Back to Top

Executive Committee Camden Student

Amisha Rastogi

I am interested in serving as a Student Senator representing the Camden College of Arts and Sciences because I am committed to advancing meaningful, student-informed change at the university level. This past year, I served as a CCAS At-Large Representative on the Rutgers University Camden Student Governing Association (RUCSGA), which has allowed me to connect with student leaders, administrators, and staff on campus. I have also strengthened my interpersonal, leadership, and collaboration skills through my roles as President of the Student Wellness Advisory Board and as the newly appointed SGA Liaison for the Wellness Center. These experiences taught me the importance of student-led advocacy, community-wide engagement, and proactive initiatives to improve student well-being. This is a mindset I hope to continue fostering as a part of SGA for the upcoming 2026-2027 year. As a biology major pursuing a future as a physician-scientist, I am especially interested in the intersection of advocacy, policy, and access. This perspective shapes my approach to leadership and reinforces my commitment to ensuring that student voices are not only heard but meaningfully incorporated into institutional decision-making. In this role, I would have the opportunity to participate in discussions of the University Senate and to represent Rutgers-Camden CCAS. By prioritizing open communication, seeking positive feedback, and collaborating with administrators, I will use this platform to make SGA more accessible and responsive to student concerns. I would be honored to serve in this role.

Back to Top 

Executive Committee New Brunswick Student

Nathaniel Paris

The strength of the University Senate is not derived from the charges we vote on, but our commitment to shared governance. We are a community of leaders of students, faculty, and alumni across campuses, committed to the pursuit of making our university better through the continued debate and acknowledgement of perspective. Much like how we all strive to make our University better, I will strive to ameliorate some challenges that we face as a Senate.

Incorporation of Student Voices – During my time as Chair of the Student Caucus, this is something I strove to correct by stimulating debate on topics in our general meeting, and encouraging participation. However, it can be difficult to find one’s voice. I intend to:

○ Organize an in-person event for student senators to build community

○ Make myself a resource for student senators

○ Continue the EC’s current investigation on student representation within the EC

Revisiting Abridged Debate – We usually have a very full agenda, but I find that we often sidebar meaningful, important debate for “later,” and is often not revisited.

○ Support revisiting debate from past meetings

○ Connect senators with others interested in the exploration of a given topic for a statement to be given in following meetings.

Increase University Senate Visibility – The RU Senate is an incredibly vital piece of our university’s commitment to shared governance, yet I feel our presence is minimal.

○ Propose dedicated communications roles to specifically oversee public communications on platforms we have accounts

○ Advocate for communication with RU personnel regarding proceedings via email or newsletter

Back to Top 

Andrew Rombach

I have taken initiative throughout my college career to get involved and did so by advocating for student rights. I started as a Hall President on College Avenue for the Bishop Beach Halls. This is where I was able to advocate for a water fountain to be placed in Stonier Hall, a hall that had over 50 years of students residing there, and no clean water fountain for the general student body. I plan to continue to advocate for the students in the School of Management and Labor Relations by creating more opportunities to join clubs within our school, and I have joined a club that was falling apart and have already created 2 events in the next 2 coming weeks, a gathering, and a panel, to bring students together. I am a driven, hard-working person who is passionate about student rights, worker rights, and human rights. This has driven my academic career through joining clubs, and choosing my major in Human Resource Management, alongside my three minors in Business Economics, Labor Studies, and Psychology.

Back to Top 

Executive Committee Newark Student

Executive Committee RBHS Student

Board of Governors Faculty Representative

Suzanne Crincoli

I respectfully submit my self‑nomination for the position of Faculty Representative to the Rutgers University Board of Governors. My interest in serving is grounded in a deep commitment to shared governance, responsible stewardship, and ensuring university‑level decisions consistently prioritize the needs of students and faculty while advancing Rutgers’ public mission.
I bring nearly two decades of leadership experience across healthcare, academia, and public service, which has shaped my systems‑level perspective and reinforced the importance of transparent, accountable governance. As a nurse, scholar, and healthcare executive, my work has focused on improving quality, equity, and access while balancing mission‑driven goals with fiscal responsibility and risk awareness.
My board and community service have emphasized strategic planning, regulatory oversight, and quality improvement. I currently serve as an elected member of the Kenilworth Board of Education and as Chair of the School‑wide Curriculum Committee at Rutgers SON, where I work collaboratively with my colleagues to support academic excellence, student success, and faculty engagement.
As a Learning Health System Scholar, I have built interdisciplinary research teams and secured funding that strengthens our school. I would be honored to bring this perspective, experience, and dedication to service on the Board of Governors.
Heather Pierce

It has been an honor to serve my colleagues as our faculty representative to the Board of Governors. I am running for reelection to continue the work I have started with my fellow board representatives on strengthening the relationship between the Senate and the Board and on elevating the voices of those who have been excluded from the decision-making structures and processes that affect our entire Rutgers community. I respectfully ask for your vote and continued support.

I bring to the table my knowledge and experience from other service roles, all of which have required developing partnerships across job categories and levels of management to get things done. In addition to serving on the Senate—including the EC and USGC, I also serve on the EC of the NB Faculty Council, along with chair of the NBFC FPAC committee, as a member of the working group on governance for Rutgers’ MSCHE reaccreditation, and as the program director for the Rutgers FAST Fund. I also serve as a member of the NJAAUP executive board and as chair of the Highland Park Rent Control Board.

I am passionate about shared governance and the democratic inclusion of everyone in our institutional decisions. As an adjunct professor, I am acutely aware of the current threats to our academic system, and the structural challenges we face in confronting them. I am not afraid to speak truth to power, but more importantly, I am committed to building the relationships needed to effectively collaborate on solutions.

Back to Top

Board of Governors Student Representative

Gavin Walker-Mason

At Rutgers–Newark, Gavin has been actively involved in Student Government for three years, currently serving as Chief of Staff. In this role, he has overseen SGA committees and the spending of ~$400k in institutional funding, strengthened collaboration with university administration, and elevated the student voice at Rutgers and in New Jersey. Gavin served on former President Jonathan Holloway’s Advisory Board, advocating for university-wide priorities. Additionally, as a 2026 Truman Scholarship Finalist, Gavin has been recognized nationally for his commitment to leadership, public service, and advancing equitable policy solutions. 
 
Beyond campus, Gavin interned in the U.S. Senate and for Governor Murphy, gaining insight into national and  state-level issues, bridging governmental and university priorities. Shared governance requires collaboration across campus, university, and state-level stakeholders. By engaging in each of these areas, Gavin can leverage perspective to promote student priorities. 
 
Key Issues:

Back to Top

Chidera Ntiwunka-Ifeanyi

Shared governance is not simply about creating a seat at the table, but about restructuring the table entirely so that those most affected by institutional decisions have true input in shaping them. As a sitting Senator, Board of Trustees Student Representative, and graduate worker union member, I have seen shared governance work and how it can fall short. I have watched the Senate consult after decisions were already in motion, which is the problem. By the time policy reaches the Senate, it has already been shaped at the Board of Governors level. I also believe graduate students need a representative there who understands both the language of governance and the urgency at stake for our community. I am that representative. But representation alone is not enough; it has to be purposeful. Here are my three priorities: Restoring the Senate’s seat in university decision-making: The Board of Governors cannot treat the Senate as an afterthought. I will push for earlier, binding consultation on decisions affecting students, particularly on stipend equity, the TA/GA-Fellow compensation gap, and healthcare access. Expanding the Senate’s visibility and influence: We are underutilized and underknown. I will leverage my networks across graduate governance and the union to amplify the Senate’s reach and use our collective influence more assertively, especially to protect international students from policy shifts that hit without warning. Deepening constituent engagement: Building on current Senate efforts, I will systematize communication between Senate business and the graduate student body, ensuring transparency is not occasional but structural.

Back to Top

Board of Trustees Faculty Representative

David Salas de la Cruz

It is an honor to be considered for the Rutgers University Executive Committee election and to seek service as a Faculty Representative to the Board of Trustees. Over the past three years, I have consistently advocated for the Camden campus and the broader university community, working to elevate faculty voices, address local and national challenges, and strengthen our role within the Rutgers system. I am committed to continuing this work at the Board level, where faculty representation is essential and impactful.

In my roles as Interim Chair, Graduate Program Director in Chemistry, and Camden Faculty Senator and EC member, I have gained insight into structural disparities, opportunities, and evolving needs across our campuses. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to equity in budgeting, research support, and faculty development. Serving as a faculty voice on the Board of Trustees is critical to preserving Rutgers’ mission and its responsibility to the communities we serve across New Jersey. Faculty representation ensures that decisions are informed by academic expertise, grounded in our educational mission, and aligned with the long-term success of our students. If elected, I will advocate for:

  • The preservation of academic freedom, ensuring that faculty can teach, research, and innovate without constraint.
  • Strategic investment in research and equitable resource distribution across campuses, including targeted funding streams that support faculty scholarship and student participation in research, ensuring access to essential tools for success.
  • Strengthened connections with our communities, recognizing that engaged scholarship and student involvement foster meaningful, lasting impact across New Jersey.

Back to Top

Robert Schwartz

Dear Senatorial Colleagues/Friends, I seek your support for the privilege of continuing as your voice, once again on the Board of Trustees! As chair of the Senate Faculty Caucus and co-chair of the Senate Academic Standards, Regulations, and Admissions Committee, we take on some of our institution’s most pressing challenges. Likewise, on the Rutgers Board of Trustees and the Senate Executive Committee, I fight vigorously for meaningful shared governance and transparency. As AAUP chapter secretary and longtime board member, I was at the table in pivotal contract negotiations. I am proud to have served two terms as Faculty Organization president. I worked hard to bring Rutgers together, including by testifying before the New Jersey Legislature to unite the health components into Rutgers. I will continue to fight so that your voice is heard and respected. I draw upon my many years on this faculty and my time at the University of California Berkeley in political science and then in public health. These experiences have taught me a lot, especially about social issues and how much we can achieve working together. My family is a Rutgers family. I met my wife in the faculty lounge; our son as a student was elected three times to the Senate Executive Committee. I enjoy helping and mentoring students and colleagues, collaborating with them on many projects. Thank you. I hope to have earned your vote.

Back to Top

Board of Trustees Undergraduate Student Representative

Prithika Chintala

Finance & BAIT student, University Senate member, RBGA Student & Academic Affairs Committee Chair, and RBS representative in RUSA. Experienced in leading policy initiatives and advocating for students at multiple levels of university governance, I will represent undergraduates through strong, consistent advocacy.

Back to Top 

Board of Trustees Graduate Student Representative

Members of the Policy Approval Committee

NJ-MADC Senate Representative