Nyeema Watson, PhD

Nyeema C. Watson serves as the Senior Vice Chancellor for Strategy, Diversity, and Community Engagement at Rutgers University–Camden, where she leads efforts to create an inclusive campus while strengthening partnerships with the Camden community and beyond. She plays a key role in integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of university life, including recruitment, retention, curriculum, and civic engagement. As the university embarks on a new diversity strategic plan, Watson also acts as a liaison to Rutgers’ Senior Vice President for Equity.

Under her leadership, Rutgers–Camden has earned national recognition for civic engagement, receiving honors from the Carnegie Foundation, the Washington Center, and others. The Office of Civic Engagement coordinates more than 432,000 hours of community service annually, with over half of the student body participating through academic programs. Signature initiatives include Rutgers Future Scholars, which provides support and scholarships to Camden students, and the Rutgers–Camden Schools Partnership, which delivers academic and social resources to local schools using a university-assisted community school model.

Watson’s background spans higher education administration, policy development, and youth advocacy. She previously worked at the New Jersey Department of Education managing federal grants and research, and she began her career as a counselor at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2004, she joined Rutgers–Camden, where she rose through several leadership roles focused on childhood studies and civic engagement.

A recognized voice in education policy and urban partnerships, Watson is deeply committed to supporting underrepresented communities. She has served on various nonprofit boards and was appointed to the Camden City Public Schools Board of Education, where she served as vice president. A Rutgers–Camden alumna, she holds a Ph.D. in childhood studies from the university and a master’s in psychological services from the University of Pennsylvania.