Camden County College is excited to welcome Richard Kopp as the new Executive Dean of Student Success and Retention. The newly established division is committed to creating a student-centered environment that empowers them to reach their academic and personal goals through support services and engagement initiatives that promote retention and student success.
With a strong background in student and alumni engagement spanning 25 years, Richard’s professional experience has well-equipped him to step into this new role. Most recently, Richard served as the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Operations at the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP), but he has also held leadership roles in campus life, student engagement, and retention at small private colleges and large public universities, including Rider University, Drexel University, and The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College.
While Richard has worked at varying levels of higher education, his passion lies with community colleges.
“They are engines of opportunity and access, embodying the promise of education for all,” Richard said.
For Richard, the promise of education isn’t just a concept; it’s a commitment he lives out every day. He considers himself a lifelong learner, holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College and Drexel University, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership at Rowan University.
“I believe education is the key to opening doors, and I am deeply committed to helping others access those opportunities,” he explained.
For Richard, what makes community colleges so special is their connection to the communities they serve, something he has experienced firsthand.
“As a South Jersey resident, I’ve admired Camden County College’s tremendous impact on the region for years,” he reflected. “I’m inspired by the College’s commitment to its students and the broader community, and I’m eager to contribute to its legacy.”
Richard’s passion for enhancing the student experience, coupled with his personal connection to the region, drove him to apply for the position.
“When I saw the posting for the Executive Dean of Student Success and Retention, I immediately recognized that this role aligned perfectly with my professional experiences and personal values,” said Richard. “The opportunity to serve as the inaugural Executive Dean and build a new division from the ground up is a dream come true.”
Richard has a knack for fostering a sense of community at the institutions he works at, implementing new student engagement initiatives, reviving old campus traditions, and creating new ones. He even spearheaded a massive effort to launch a new college mascot at CCP, Roary, a role that he personally performed to boost spirit and pride. Richard is ready to bring that talent to Camden County College students.
“I’m excited to enhance the College’s already strong student-centered culture by fostering a sense of belonging and connection through engaging programs, vibrant student life, and targeted interventions,” Richard remarked.
For Richard, the students are at the core of all his efforts.
“Whether it’s mentoring student leaders, designing initiatives to increase retention, or fostering a sense of belonging, my passion has always been to help students achieve their goals and feel valued and supported,” he said.
Richard sees this new role as an opportunity to create lasting change.
“This role is more than a job,” Richard said. “It’s a calling to help shape the future of student success. I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, and administrators to build a division that embodies the College’s commitment to equity, access, and excellence.”
It’s not all work and no play, though; in his free time, Richard enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, cheering on Philly sports teams, trying new restaurants, and catching up on popular shows.
“Life is about balance, and these activities help recharge my energy so I can bring my best self to work and life,” Richard concluded.
Welcome to Camden County College, Richard!
