Faculty Spotlight: Andrew Levecchia

Andrew Levecchia PP, AICP, Master’s in Public Administration

I am a lifelong resident of South Jersey and I grew up in the Pine Barrens. From an early age I connected with nature, gardening, the environment and being outside. Growing up in “the woods” has left me with a strong desire to explore and investigate my surroundings. Merging this desire with my love for Earth Science, the Cosmos and culture is why I am a Geographer.

I have the distinction of earning a bachelor’s degree in Geography from Rowan University in 1999. Between 1999 and 2004 I worked in both the public and private sectors as a GIS Analyst. In 2004, I was awarded a Fellowship from Rutgers University’s Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs, where I studied public policy, public administration and city planning in the City of Camden, leading to my master’s degree.

In 2005 I started working as a City Planner for the Camden County Improvement Authority focusing on writing Redevelopment Plans and economic development of small towns. Today, as the Director of Planning for Camden County, NJ, I manage the daily operations of the Camden County Planning Board, lead the County’s Regional and Transportation Planning Unit, and write and  administer Federal Transportation grant programs to improve local transportation infrastructure.  Since 2017 I have served as the President of Cross County Connection, TMA focusing on solving transportation related issues throughout southern New Jersey.

I returned to Rowan in the fall of 2011 when I started teaching the course Earth, People and Environment. Since then I have taught courses in Physical Geography, GIS, Public Administration, Planning and Environmental Policy. I am fortunate to be a part of the Geography, Planning and Sustainability Department and have watched it grow and change over the past 10 years. Colleagues and staff are exceptional, knowledgeable, and extremely helpful.  I have made contacts and connections that have challenged me to be a better teacher and classroom communicator,  for which I am grateful.

Teaching is rewarding because I have always had an interest in giving back and providing others with the same opportunities I was afforded. My classes are designed to prepare students academically while allowing them to apply strategies and techniques in a practical manner.  I am impressed each semester by students' sense of commitment and creativity to their course work. One of the more enjoyable student experiences I have had is continuing to mentor and keep in contact with students that have graduated and now work in the Geography field.

In my spare time I have worked with a team of researchers for several years to bring recognition and Historical Preservation designation to the Newton Union Burial Ground in Haddon Twp, NJ.  The burial ground dates to 1684 and has both a Quaker and Veteran section in which 22 Revolutionary War soldiers are buried. I travel frequently and like to explore culturally obscure and unique geomorphological sites. I have hiked over 1,200 miles of the Application trail , my wife and I keep a library of over 4500 books and I continue to advance my connection to Geography and people by cooking and learning how to prepare a variety of ethnically diverse cuisines.

I probably drink too much espresso and I am the caretaker of a 17-year-old standard poodle!  

I hold a Professional Planners license from the State of NJ and have been a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners since 2011.