rowan university

About Us

Advisory Board

Susan O. Hersh
Institutional Representative (IR) and Chair

856-256-4481
hersh@rowan.edu

Dorie Gilchrist
856-256-4054
gilchrist@rowan.edu

Kauser Jahan
856-256-5323
jahan@rowan.edu

Jeanne Lewis
856-256-4207
lewis@rowan.edu

Patrice Patterson
pattersonp@rowan.edu

Lorraine Ricchezza
856-756-5400
ricchezza@rowan.edu

Liz Seville
856-256-4716
seville@rowan.edu

Lin Sweeten
856-256-4337
sweeten@rowan.edu

Johanna Velez-Yelin
856-256-5440
velez-yelin@rowan.edu

History

Rowan University’s institutional chapter has been mentoring, supporting and developing women leaders since the early 1980’s. The chapter was formed as part of the American Council on Education initiative to encourage more women in upper-level positions. The group met frequently throughout the 80’s and early 90’s. However, attendance began to steadily decline in the late 90’s and continued until a new female provost re-ignited interest in the group in 2001. At that time an Advisory Board was formed to assist the Institutional Representative, bi-laws were created and the chapter was named The Women’s Professional Network of Rowan University. With a strong organizational structure, support from senior leadership and a diverse representation of women, the Network continues to thrive and provide camaraderie, professional development and career opportunities.

Structure

The Women’s Professional Network of Rowan University is led by the Institutional Representative and an Advisory Board consisting of nine members.  The board meets every six to eight weeks to develop goals, plan events and address the needs of women on campus. Currently there are six active committees including Program, Development, Marketing, Nominating, Constitution and Bylaws, and Special Events.