Hoboken Presents NJCU President with Mayoral Proclamation

Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla presented New Jersey City University President Andrés Acebo with a mayoral proclamation, recognizing his contributions to higher education and public service.

The honor carries personal significance for Acebo, who was born in Hoboken at what was then St. Mary’s Hospital, now Hudson Regional Health. In reflecting on the recognition, Acebo highlighted the city’s role in shaping his life and values, noting it was where his family’s journey toward the American Dream began.

“To be recognized here — where I was born — for our work at NJCU is deeply personal,” Acebo said. “Leadership is never a solo act; it’s built upon the shoulders of family, mentors, neighbors, and every hand that has lifted you along the way.”

Acebo has led NJCU since January 2023, officially becoming the institution’s 13th president after the Board of Trustees’ unanimous vote in July 2025. He guided the university through a historic financial recovery, earning back to back credit outlook upgrades from Moody’s and Fitch, spearheading NJCU’s planned merger with Kean University, and overseeing recognition as No. 1 in New Jersey and 10th nationally in CollegeNET’s 2023 Social Mobility Index.

He credited his parents’ sacrifices, his community’s support, and the transformative power of public service and higher education for his path to becoming NJCU’s leader.