President Richard McCormick has made the involvement of Rutgers University with the PreK-12 schools in New Jersey one of the major priorities of his administration. To this end, with members of this administration Dr. Phillip Furmanski, Executive Vice President, and Dr. Richard De Lisi, Dean of the Graduate School of Education, he has carefully created and supported the establishment of the Rutgers Institute for Improving Student Achievement (RIISA).

In September 2005, President McCormick appointed Dr. William Librera, former NJ State Commissioner of Education, to the position of Executive Director of RIISA.

The mission of Rutgers Institute for Improving Student Achievement is to provide continuous improvement in the achievement of all students through the combined efforts of Rutgers University, PreK-12 districts, corporate affiliates and community partners. RIISA is pleased to welcome partners in this important work.