The Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) Board of Trustees welcomed its newest member Renee C. Liciaga, of Mount Laurel, at its first meeting of 2017.

Liciaga, who is active in the local education community, a free-lance choreographer and a veteran Broadway performer, was appointed by Gov. Chris Christie.

“Rowan College at Burlington County is in the midst of a great transformation and we continue to add talented and creative trustees to the board,” Freeholder Director Bruce Garganio said. “Trustee Liciaga is well-respected in her community and brings a wealth of education and performing arts experience that will benefit students in Burlington County and throughout our region.”

Board Chair George Nyikita welcomed Trustee Liciaga.

“Our partnership with Rowan University and Mount Laurel Campus improvements have created a tremendous energy among students, faculty and staff, which makes serving as a trustee such a great honor and privilege,” Nyikita said. “As the caliber of the college continues to improve, it is important we continue to maintain an exceptional board. I welcome Trustee Liciaga and look forward to her contributions as we continue to bring new high-quality and affordable educational programs.”

Liciaga was trained at the Pennsylvania Ballet and Adelphi University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in musical theater. Throughout her career, Liciaga has worked in 12 countries with legends such as Andrew Lloyd Webber, Mercedes Ellington, Donny Osmond and the late Michael Jackson.

Liciaga is active in the Mount Laurel community, particularly on the Thomas E. Harrington Middle School Parent Teacher Organization and the Lenape Band Parents Association. She is a substitute teacher in the Mount Laurel School District and also mentors youth pursuing the performing arts.

“I have a passion for the arts and education in our community and I am very excited about this new opportunity to help more people access some truly innovative education programs in our communities,” Liciaga said. “This is such an exciting time to join Rowan College at Burlington County that is creating so many wonderful opportunities.”

The board currently has a vacancy created when Linda Hughes became a freeholder last month replacing RCBC alumna Mary Ann O’Brien who left the freeholder board to become Burlington County Surrogate.

“Our board provides wonderful support to our students and reflects the talent and diversity of our communities,” RCBC President Paul Drayton said. “As we continue to achieve different ways to raise the quality of education while lowering the costs for students, I’m thrilled that we continue to gain trustees with exceptional backgrounds and experience needed to continue moving the college forward.”