Rowan University Honors Trailblazing Administrator Julie Peterson With Scholarship
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
GLASSBORO — For nearly five decades, Julie A. Peterson has been a guiding force for generations of students at Rowan University, helping young people navigate college life, pursue leadership opportunities and find their place on campus.
Now, colleagues, alumni and supporters are ensuring that her legacy of service will continue long into the future through the creation of the Julie A. Peterson Endowed Scholarship.
The scholarship, announced by the Rowan University Black Alumni Network, will support students participating in the university’s Dr. Harley E. Flack Mentoring Program, extending Peterson’s lifelong commitment to mentorship and student success. A five-year fundraising campaign aims to raise $25,000 to fully endow the scholarship.
The announcement was accompanied by a tribute highlighting Peterson’s extraordinary impact on Rowan students over the course of a 49-year career. The scholarship campaign was also featured in promotional materials celebrating her leadership and service.
According to colleagues and alumni, Peterson’s influence reaches far beyond job titles and administrative responsibilities.
“She has helped generations of students,” said Rowan alumni and longtime journalist Melanie Burney. “She was there when I was a student. Julie A. Peterson has been my hero, the wind beneath my wings.
“I’m so proud that we are honoring her today by launching a scholarship in her name.”
Peterson currently serves as director of the Office of Student Enrichment and Family Connections at Rowan University, a position in which she oversees programs designed to strengthen student engagement, family involvement and student success.
She also serves as a key connection between the university and students’ families, helping foster partnerships that support academic achievement and personal development.
Her Rowan career spans nearly every facet of student affairs. Since joining the university in 1977 when it was Glassboro State College, as assistant director of residence life. Peterson has served in multiple leadership roles.
Those roles included associate director of student life and development, coordinator of the Center for Service Learning and Volunteerism, and special assistant to the vice president for student affairs before assuming her current position.
Supporters say that enduring commitment is what makes the scholarship particularly meaningful.
“Julie A. Peterson is a committed and dedicated professional who championed the academic and career success of all students at Rowan University for forty-nine years,” said Phillip L. Jackson, a 1985 Rowan graduate. Jackson added that the scholarship will “bless and impact the lives of future students at Rowan University as they pursue their academic and career aspirations.”
Speakers at the ceremony emphasized that the scholarship represents more than financial assistance. It is intended to carry forward the spirit of mentorship and encouragement that Peterson brought to generations of students.
“Julie A. Peterson’s impact at Rowan reaches far beyond the years she served here,” said Crystal Carter Savage. “She has encouraged, guided and opened doors for so many of us.”
Savage said the scholarship will help future participants in the Dr. Harley E. Flack Mentoring Program receive the same type of support and guidance that Peterson provided throughout her career.
The campaign received an early boost when Jeanine Frisby LaRue announced a $5,000 donation from the New Jersey Construction Laborers’ District Council and an additional personal contribution of $500. Organizers also launched a challenge encouraging supporters to contribute $50 each toward an initial fundraising goal of $10,000.
Peterson’s career has been defined by student advocacy, mentorship, leadership development and community engagement. Colleagues credit her with helping shape initiatives that promote civic involvement, cultural awareness and meaningful connections among students, families and the broader Rowan community.
As Rowan University continues to grow, supporters say the new endowed scholarship will ensure that Peterson’s legacy endures through the students who will benefit from opportunities she helped create.
For many alumni, the scholarship serves as a fitting tribute to a woman whose life work has been devoted to helping others succeed.
“Julie’s impact at Rowan reaches far beyond the years she served here,” Savage said. “We’re proud to honor Julie by helping the next generation find its way.”
For more information or to contribute to the Julie A. Peterson Endowed Scholarship, supporters can visit Rowan University’s giving platform.
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