Kean Jersey City? NJCU Moves Forward with Kean University Merger

New Jersey City University has decided to merge with Kean University. The NJCU Board of Trustees voted on March 5 to accept Kean’s proposal. This means NJCU will now begin talks to officially become part of the Kean system under a new name, Kean Jersey City.

NJCU has faced financial struggles for years, including high debt and declining student enrollment. Because of this, the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) required NJCU to find a strong financial partner by March 2025. By merging with Kean, NJCU hopes to secure its future while continuing to serve students in Jersey City and Hudson County.

NJCU President Andrés Acebo called this decision “the deliberate construction of a bridge to our second century.” He said it is more than just a business deal. “By aligning our strengths with those of Kean University, we are setting the stage for a collaborative journey that will expand our academic horizons and deepen our community impact.” He also promised to keep students, faculty, and staff involved. “Throughout this journey, transparency and active community involvement will remain at the core of our efforts.”

Kean University President Lamont Repollet also spoke about the merger, saying it was a step that benefits both schools. “This merger is rooted in shared missions to enhance educational access and opportunities,” he said. He added that NJCU has served Jersey City for nearly a century, and both schools share similar goals.

The NJCU Board of Trustees said this decision followed careful planning. “The Board’s decision follows a deliberate and thorough evaluation of strategic options aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the university’s mission and strengthening our commitment to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the Jersey City and Hudson County communities we serve.” The board also recognized the hard work of NJCU leaders. “We recognize and credit the efforts of President Acebo and his leadership team over the past two years in addressing challenges that some believed were insurmountable.”

Teachers and staff at NJCU and Kean are represented by unions that will be closely watching the merger. Jennifer S. Higgins, president of AFT New Jersey, said the unions will work with both universities to protect jobs and ensure fair treatment. James Castiglione, president of AFT Local 2187 at Kean, said the goal is to maintain strong academic programs while bringing the two schools together.

Governor Phil Murphy and Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges said they support the progress NJCU is making. “Maintaining access to high-quality post-secondary education for students and the community, who have long benefitted from NJCU’s local presence, forms the basis of our shared commitment to the institution’s future,” they said in a statement.

The next step is for NJCU and Kean to agree on a formal letter of intent. This will outline how the schools will combine and ensure that students, teachers, and staff are protected during the transition.

If the merger is approved, Kean Jersey City will officially become part of Kean University. Kean currently has about 17,000 students, while NJCU has around 5,500.