"The world of the future belongs to the well-educated. Your college is a community venture for all peoples of Burlington County. Support it! Use it!"
- Lewis M. Parker, Founding Chairman

Founded as Burlington County College in 1966, the college opened its doors to 1,051 students in 1969 at Lenape High School. The Pemberton Campus opened a few years later, in 1971. In 1972, the college received accreditation by the Commission on Higher Education, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Throughout the next several years, the college underwent a series of changes, including increased enrollment, the opening of new campuses, the addition of more degree programs and several leadership changes (see below).

In 2015, Burlington County College was renamed to Rowan College at Burlington County, in recognition of its historic partnership with Rowan University.

In 2016, RCBC became the first community college in New Jersey authorized to offer junior-year courses in its “3+1” option to Rowan University.

A History of Growth

2018: Dr. Michael A. Cioce, a first-generation college student who had successfully led RCBC during a period of growth and innovation as vice president and acting president, is appointed the college's sixth permanent president. 

2016: RCBC becomes the first community college in New Jersey authorized to offer junior-year courses in its "3+1" option to Rowan University that allows students to complete an associate degree and stay at RCBC for a junior year before transferring to Rowan University to complete their bachelor's degree on the Mount Laurel campus or online.

2015: Inspired to return to higher education to make college affordable, Burlington County Administrator Paul Drayton is appointed the college’s fifth president and quickly implements an ambitious plan to transform the college into the ultimate model of higher education with a new name to reflect a historic partnership with Rowan University that offers alumni guaranteed acceptance to the university, the modernization of the Mount Laurel campus and a management realignment to focus on academics, student success and workforce development.

2013: The college signs new admissions agreement with the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.  New Green Pathways Dual Credit Agreement formed with Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools. BCC recognized as a top military friendly school for the second year in a row. The women's softball team advanced to the National Championship for the first time in college history. Five BCC basketball players were named to the All Region and All Gerden State Athletic Conference Teams, and one Lady Baron earned distinction as Player of the Year.

2012: The college 's Board of Trustees proudly announces the college's 4th president, David C. Hespe. BCC is the first two-year college in the tri-county area to offer a comprehensive green associates degree programs to meet the demand for trained green professionals. The college ranked #4 in the nation for two-year colleges in the Military Times Magazine's Best for Vets: 2013.

2011: The college celebrated the grand opening of the Culinary Arts Center in Mount Holly in July 2011. New academic partnership formed with Salem Community College.

2009: A year of breaking records for the college. The college received a glowing report from the Middle States Accreditation team which included 22 commendations, Student Activities hosted its largest concert event by welcoming American Idol's David Cook, the college 's own Matt Weaver was drafted by MLB and the College kicked off a year-long 40th Anniversary celebration.

2008:  Two new academic partnerships were signed:  Peirce College and Holy Family University.  The college’s Aqua Barons swim team remained undefeated and the college welcomed its largest class of first time students in history.

2007:  Two ribbon cuttings were celebrated: the P.E. Center was re-opened after months of renovations and the Science Incubator debuted on the Mount Laurel campus.  The curriculum was expanded to include three new degrees, two new courses and distance learning was expanded to meet the growing needs of our students.

2006: The college entered into a partnership with Drexel University, to bring Drexel faculty to the Mount Laurel campus to offer bachelor's degree programs.

2005: The college opened the Student Gallery and Art Store, a student run facility in the Mount Holly center to showcase and sell original artwork and supplies. This year also saw record breaking enrollment.

2004: The newest site, The Mount Holly Center, opened its doors in October 2004.  It moved the Business and Career Development Center which occupied 60 High Street to its current location at the corner of High and Mill Streets in Downtown Mount Holly.

2003: The college renamed the Academic Replacement Center to Laurel Hall and dedicated the Pavillion connecting the Science Building and the Enterprise Center at BCC honoring The Vottas who owned the farm on which the Mount Laurel campus currently resides. BCC also moved its Willingboro Center to Route 130 in the Willingboro Town Center.

2002: The college opened The Enterprise Center at BCC, the Science Building, Academic Replacement Center and Central Power Plant on its Mt. Laurel campus. Dr. Robert C. Messina, Jr. celebrates his 15th year as BCC President.

2001: The college attains highest enrollment in its history for the fall term. Health Center opens on Pemberton campus to serve students and staff.

1999-2000: The college maintains Middle States accreditation in ten-year renewal requirement and celebrates four "Milestones at the Millennium": 30th Anniversary of College opening, 25th Anniversary of Foundation Theatre, 10th Anniversary of LIFE and 5th Anniversary of WBZC 88.9 FM.

1998: The college 's innovative High Technology Small Business Incubator opens on the Mt. Laurel campus to encourage the growth of entrepreneurial businesses.

1996: The William K. McDaniel Integrated Learning Resource Center/Library opens on the Pemberton campus and WBZC is named National College Radio Station of the Year.

1995: Opening of the Technology & Engineering Center, Mt. Laurel campus, a joint venture with the NJ Institute of Technology (NJIT); the first broadcast of BCC's radio station, WBZC 88.9 FM

1994: The first classes are offered in the new Academic Center, Pemberton campus.

1990: The college establishes the Learning Institute for Elders (LIFE), offering academic, cultural and social opportunities for county residents over 55 years old.

1987: Dr. Robert Messina, Jr. becomes the college's third president and expands community outreach sites.

1979: The college welcomes new president, Dr. Harmon Pierce, who opens second off-campus center in Cinnaminson.

1975: First production of Foundation Theatre, Burlington County's only non-profit professional theatre company, housed on the college's Pemberton campus.

1974: The college opens its first daytime off-campus facility in Willingboro to accommodate growing enrollment.

1972: Two reasons to celebrate: The college graduates its first students and receives accreditation by the Commission on Higher Education, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

1971: The college moves into its first two permanent structures on the Pemberton campus: the multileveled college center and the health and physical education building.

1969: The college Burlington County College opens in temporary facilities at Lenape High School, Medford, with 728 full-time and 323 part-time students.

1967: The college's Board of Trustees appoint Dr. N. Dean Evans as the founding president.

1966: Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders founds then-Burlington County College with the appointment of a nine-member board of trustees. The trustees elect Lewis M. Parker as their first chair.