Faculty member at Rutgers receives first-ever Ripple Effect Award

A Rutgers faculty member has recently been selected to be the first-ever recipient of the American Association of Universities (AAU) Ripple Effect Award, according to Rutgers Today. 

The award was given to Francine Newsome Pfeiffer, the University's vice president for federal relations, by the AAU's Council on Federal Relations (CFR) to commemorate her public service contributions to the AAU community.

After receiving her undergraduate degree from Rutgers, she later joined the University's staff in 1996. In 2014, she became the vice president for federal relations, working in Washington, D.C. to represent the University on various federal issues and policies. She and her office were able to secure more than $300 million in annual federal research grants and more than $400 million in student aid.

Newsome Pfeiffer has also served as a leader in the higher education community in Washington, D.C., previously working as the chair of the CFR Steering Committee and the chair of groups involved in humanities and student aid for higher education. 

“Francine has welcomed, mentored and supported a vast number of her CFR colleagues, and she is a particularly valued resource for newer members of the CFR,” said Mary Sue Coleman, president of the AAU, in an announcement letter to University President Robert L. Barchi. “Francine has enriched the CFR community for 20 years because she takes the time to truly know, appreciate and value its members. Francine never forgets the value of all perspectives among our higher education colleagues and sees them all as valued contributors."

Coleman also said Newsome Pfeiffer took time to include others in conversations and hear everyone's input.

Barchi also praised Newsome Pfeiffer, saying the University was fortunate to have her on the leadership team because she helped to reach their strategic goals.

“Francine has been a valued member of the Rutgers leadership team for more than 20 years. Her expertise of the federal system and her understanding of the higher education community have made her one of the most effective voices for higher education in Washington,” Barchi said.