United Adjunct Faculty of New Jersey/AFT Local 2222 President Bill Lipkin died July 13. He was 85.
Lipkin was an adjunct professor for more than 50 years, teaching history and political science at Kean University, Essex County College and other schools in New Jersey.
“Bill Lipkin was a consummate and passionate advocate for adjunct faculty,” AFTNJ President Jennifer S. Higgins said. “His voice will be missed.”
“During my time as an activist and elected leader of AFTNJ, I have never met a person who fought harder for voice, dignity and respect for adjunct faculty than Bill Lipkin,” AFTNJ President Emerit Donna M. Chiera said. “On a national, state and local level, Bill advocated for professional salaries, working conditions and benefits for adjuncts in our two- and four-year institutions. He never shied away from a fight, and he always stepped up to lend his voice on any committee. Bill was a force to be reckoned with, and he will be missed by his union family.”
Prior to his passing, AFTNJ’s higher education division passed a resolution to establish the William Lipkin Scholarship. It will be awarded yearly for professional development to one adjunct faculty AFTNJ member who exhibits exceptional dedication to promoting, supporting and defending union values of fairness and equity.
TOP: United Adjunct Faculty of New Jersey President Bill Lipkin at the AFTNJ 2022 Convention and Legislative Conference in East Brunswick.
ABOVE: Bill Lipkin listens as AFTNJ President Donna M. Chiera testifies in May 2023 during the N.J. State Legislature’s Special Meeting on Higher Education at the State House Annex in Trenton.
(Photos by Chris M. Junior)
