Ben Dworkin Named Director of The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics

Rider University has announced the appointment of Ben Dworkin as the Director of the Rider Institute for New Jersey Politics and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Political Science. Dworkin’s appointment became official on July 1, 2008, and he will be formally introduced to the campus community during a welcoming ceremony in early September.

A veteran of New Jersey politics and Ph.D. candidate in political science at Rutgers University, Dworkin offers a unique blend of practical experience in government, campaigns and elections, and political organization, as well as academic experience in the classroom.  During the course of his career, he has worked as a policy aide for a state senator and spent several years working for the New Jersey General Assembly. He has been actively involved with local, county and statewide campaigns in New Jersey and served as the head of a local party organization.

Professor Dworkin has also taught “Political Campaigning” and “New Jersey Politics” to undergraduates at Rutgers University.  In the private sector, he was vice president at a major corporate communications firm in New York City and has headed several small media companies based here in New Jersey.

At Rider’s 5,900-student campus in Lawrenceville, Dworkin will teach “New Jersey Politics” and will serve as an analyst in the media for political and governmental matters in the state.  In addition, he will be responsible for guest speakers and conferences and will assist Rider students seeking political and government internships, campaign experience, and practical knowledge in the field of politics.

“This is a tremendously exciting time to lead the Rider Institute for New Jersey Politics,” said Dworkin. “With the forthcoming presidential elections, the jockeying for position among next year’s gubernatorial and lieutenant governor aspirants, and a host of policy challenges faced by the state, I am looking forward to helping our students become thoroughly involved in New Jersey’s dynamic political life.”

In addition to announcing the appointment of Dworkin, the University also revealed that the Institute will be renamed in honor of its founder and former managing director, the late Professor David Rebovich. “In the world of New Jersey political analysis, David Rebovich was the gold standard,” Dworkin noted.  “There is no replacing him. We will continue to honor his legacy by building on the wonderful program that he established here at Rider.” The name change will go into effect when Rider’s faculty and student body return in September. 

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Donald Steven served as the chair of the search committee that selected Dworkin. “We met a number of highly qualified candidates, but no one demonstrated the combination of political savvy, media knowledge and student-centered focus like Ben,” said Steven. “He also has a very insightful perspective on the state of politics in New Jersey. Without question, he will be a great resource for the media and our University community.”

The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics is dedicated to public service and scholarly analysis of government, public policy, campaigns and elections in New Jersey. “In September, I will have a chance to begin working with Rider’s students,” Dworkin said.  “Having already met some of them, I am enormously impressed with their intellect and enthusiasm.  There really is no limit to what the Institute can accomplish with such fine young people in its ranks.  I have no doubt that the Institute will remain a dynamic and creative home for networking, research and the analysis of New Jersey politics.”

Media who seek comments or analysis of New Jersey political issues may contact Ben Dworkin at 609-896-7760 or e-mail bdworkin@rider.edu.

Submitted on July 16, 2008