September 2023 Special Election Slate of Nominees and Campaign Statements
This page will continue to be updated until nominations close at noon on Wed. Sept. 20.
Click on the nominees’ names below to read their campaign statements.
BOARD OF GOVERNORS FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE (Elect One)
Heather Pierce, Lecturer-New Brunswick, Faculty
Samuel Rabinowitz, School of Business-C (F)
BOARD OF TRUSTEES FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE (Elect Two)
Robert Boikess, SAS-NB (F)
Perry Dane, Rutgers Law School in Camden (F)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE – CAMDEN (Elect One)
Michael Van Stine, Graduate School-Camden (S)
Alexis Winters, Camden College of Arts and Sciences (S)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE – NEW BRUNSWICK (Elect One)
No nominees.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE – NEWARK (Elect One)
No nominees.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE – RBHS (Elect One)
No nominees.
BOARD OF GOVERNORS STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE (Elect One)
Brielle Fedorko, School of Arts and Sciences-NB (S)
BOARD OF TRUSTEES UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE (Elect One)
Jason Levin, School of Arts and Sciences-NB (S)
BOARD OF TRUSTEES GRADUATE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE (Elect One)
Tumininu Ayorinde, New Jersey Medical School (S)
Campaign Statements
Board of Governors Faculty Representative
Heather Pierce, Lecturer-New Brunswick (F)
TBD
Samuel Rabinowitz, School of Business-Camden (F)
It has been an honor and privilege to have served in many University Senate roles for well over the last three decades; currently as Faculty Representative to the Board of Governors, member of the Ad hoc Committee on Mentoring and Ad hoc Committee on Senate Bylaws. Previously, I have served as University Senate Chair, Vice Chair, co-chair of the Student Affairs Committee, Faculty Representative to the Board of Trustees, Senate Executive Committee, and Chair of the Academic Calendar and Commencement Committee. These experiences gave me the chance to meet and work with many esteemed colleagues within the Senate, around all campuses, and on the Rutgers Boards. I wish to continue my contribution by serving as Faculty Representative to the Board of Governors.
It is important to have respectful and respected representation on Board committees and I believe that I have been and would continue to be a positive and effective in this regard. Board members are there because of a passion and concern for Rutgers continued growth. I share that passion. The many bonds that I have built with members of the Rutgers community of stakeholders will aid me in performing this role. This ongoing relationship allowed me to engage in numerous conversations which were a vital part of keeping our Camden campus part of Rutgers as well as inform board members of Senate actions which they might not be aware of without our interaction. Thanks for a moment of your busy day (and hopefully your vote as well)!
Board of Trustees Faculty Representative
Robert Boikess, SAS-NB (F)
As a member of the Senate for close to 40 years, of the New Brunswick Faculty Council from its creation, and of countless committees, whose charges ranged from parking to athletics, and even to academics; I have learned a great deal. I have learned how things work; I have learned how to get things done; I have learned what matters.
Now is a very difficult time for Rutgers. It will be very important to minimize the tensions between the administration and faculty collective bargaining units. The Senate can play an important role in that process. I ask you for the opportunity to use what I’ve learned to help us work toward this goal.
My loyalty and my concern for Rutgers manifest themselves in a number of ways. Both of my sons are Rutgers alums and my family is grateful for how Rutgers launched them onto successful career paths. I have taught chemistry to tens of thousands of students, many of whom now have successful careers in the health sciences or physical sciences. Their success is a great source of pride for me.
At Rutgers, one important venue for participation in decision making has been the University Senate.
But, in recent years, the influence of the University Senate has diminished. One important reason I wish to continue to serve on the Executive Committee is to work with the leadership to restore the University Senate to its proper role, as our preeminent shared governance body, representing all the constituencies of our community.
Perry Dane, Rutgers Law School in Camden (F)
I am a Law School Professor and one-time law clerk to US Supreme Court Justice William Brennan. I am running for a second term as faculty representative on the Rutgers Board of Trustees. In my first year, I learned more about the workings of the university and asked questions. I also participated actively at meetings of the Senate Executive Committee. Rutgers is facing crucial times as we try to strengthen shared governance after prolonged labor negotiations and a historic strike. I hope to bring my experience, skills, and talents to help chart our path forward on the complicated path that we began in 1766.
I have a long record of leadership in structures of shared governance. I helped found the Camden Faculty Council and served as its chair. I have been a Co-Chair of the Senate’s University Structure and Governance Committee. This year, I served on ad hoc committees to rewrite our by-laws and examine the proposed medical schools merger. In 2012, I helped lead efforts to protect Rutgers-Camden from a plan to amputate it from the University. I have led efforts to better integrate PTLs into the community.
My academic interests include Education Law and I deeply understand the need for all folks at Rutgers to make their voices heard and respected. One job of the Board of Trustees is to safeguard Rutgers’s long-term mission, autonomy, and excellence. I seek your vote to continue to be a forceful advocate for our values as an institution and as a community.
Executive Committee Student Representative – Camden
Michael Van Stine, Graduate School-Camden (S)
I humbly request your support to continue to serve as Camden Student Member on the Senate Executive Committee. I am the immediate past incumbent for this position and have served on the EC since 2016. I am currently an MA graduate student in History of Law, taking a mix of history, law, and Ph.D. credits for multiple supplemental degrees. I completed my BA in Political Science MCL and my MPA in Community Development with a 4.0 GPA.
I have been a member of the Senate since 2014. I have past served on FPAC, RGPEC, and this past year as co-chair of SAC. I have also been a member of the Camden Graduate Advisory Council, our campus Graduate Student Organization, and have past served on the Camden Campus Board of Directors.
I continue to pledge my commitment to review all charges proposed for committee action with due diligence, to propose charges where appropriate, and to be responsibly involved in all debate and procedural matters. It is my opinion that effective service on the EC is more an art than a science. There are many protocols one needs to learn surrounding the Committee’s business to be an effective member. I believe multi-year experience helps greatly, as well does my dedication and caring about the important issues of our university.
I hope I have earned your vote. I very much look forward to actively again contributing to the EC as well as to the full Senate in the coming academic year. Thanks.
Alexis Winters, Camden College of Arts and Sciences (S)
My name is Alexis Winters, I am a dedicated 5th-year Biology student, with minors in Psychology and Chemistry. Throughout my time at Rutgers Camden, I’ve strived to play an extremely active role in our campus community. My leadership journey speaks to my commitment to making a difference on our campus. I’ve had the privilege of serving as the Leader of the Honors College Peer Mentor Program, Vice President of Academic Affairs of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority, President of the Environmental Action Coalition, President of the Psychology Club and the Founder/ Vice President of RUC Green Thumbs. In these roles I’ve gained valuable leadership experience by building robust student organizations and fostering many relationships across campus.
Beyond these roles, I’ve actively participated in the Gourmet Dining, Police Public Safety, and Convocation Advisory committees, where I’ve learned the importance of effective listening and the wisdom to know when to be outspoken.
In addition to my campus commitments, I’m passionate about my involvement in scientific research. I’ve dedicated my time to studying the evolution of adenoviruses, while also balancing my time as an oncology medical assistant, where I often advocate for patients who can’t do so for themselves.
My collaborative nature and level-headed, positive mindset is what sets me apart. I believe in the power of unity and inclusivity to address the challenges we face as students. I’m committed to listening to your concerns and ideas, and I will tirelessly work to ensure that all voices are heard and all needs are met.
Board of Governors Student Representative
Brielle Fedorko, School of Arts and Sciences-NB (S)
My name is Brielle Fedorko, and I am a junior studying political science and journalism at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. I have been involved in the Senate since I was a sophomore. Outside of the Senate, I am quite active on campus being a part of the Rutgers University Student Assembly, a writer for The Daily Targum, and a member of Phi Mu Fraternity. I have also worked closely with Fauzan Amjad, the previous Board of Governors Student Representative, who has introduced and prepared me for this position. My involvement on campus and experience as a student leader has provided me with the skills and desires to work diligently with the Board to represent the student body. I want to be their voice as the Board works to shape Rutgers into the beloved community we aspire to attain.
Being a student on the Board is a unique position to have. I can share with the Board how their policies and initiatives impact the students because I will be experiencing it first-hand. I am not afraid to say when something is wrong and when something needs to be changed. I will not shy away from what needs to be said. The students deserve to be heard to the fullest and utmost capacity. They deserve to leave Rutgers with a good taste in their mouths. The Board of Governors knows the power they have in affecting the lives of students on campus, and I want to remind them who they are working for.
Board of Trustees Undergraduate Student Representative
Jason Levin, School of Arts and Sciences-NB (S)
During my 2 years at Rutgers University I have gotten to know a very large portion of the student population and am confident in saying that I understand the general population’s attitudes and needs. I know students in all walks of life whether they be in fraternities, clubs, sports, ethnic organizations, etc. I believe that through knowing many people I have knowledge from a diverse group of people on how to make their lives better by representing them to the Board of Trustees. I am the type of person who wishes to help his peers have as good of a college experience as possible no matter who they are, what their interests, and where their priorities lie. Simply put, I care about Rutgers students and can not think of a better way to show this love for my peers, then by representing them in our University Senate as well as other governing bodies. Through these ventures I hope to be equitable, effective, and most of all determined to help my fellow undergraduate students and their interests. This is why I would be a good candidate to be the Undergraduate Student Representative to the Board of Trustees.
Board of Trustees Graduate Student Representative
Tumininu Ayorinde, New Jersey Medical School (S)
Throughout my medical school journey, I have had the opportunity to serve in various leadership roles and have acquired a new understanding of compassion, determination, and uplifting communities. Over the years and to date, I have organized many educational, inspirational, and political forums while addressing the concerns of the student body and faculty. I spent most of my efforts creating different platforms for students to feel heard and understood while simultaneously building a network that incorporated the ideals of inclusivity, teamwork, social equality, and acceptance. My plan is to bring this burst of zeal and experience to the executive senate role to protect our organization’s best interests, ensure the Rutgers’ student body and faculty trust is preserved and maintain the institution’s reputation.
Thank you for this opportunity to express my interest in this position. I hope to have more opportunities to make significant contribution to this organization.