Listen to this articleThe basics:
- New law codifies Kean University–NJCU merger agreement reached in October 2025
- Merger still requires approval from Middle States, the US Department of Education
- NJCU will operate as Kean Jersey City, students would transition to Kean this summer
- Legislation includes $25M in state funding, preserves NJCU faculty tenure rights
Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill into law Jan. 12 aimed at advancing the merger of Kean University and New Jersey City University.
Assembly Bill 6212/Senate Bill 4881 codifies the formal merger agreement reached between the two institutions Oct. 1, 2025. That accord followed NJCU’s selection of Kean as a strategic partner earlier in the year. NJBIZ has extensively reported on the process.
The merger still requires approval from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the U.S. Department of Education. However, the deal is expected to be completed by July 1, 2026. Under the agreement, NJCU students will become Kean students. Additionally, its Jersey City campus will begin operating as Kean Jersey City this summer.
The two institutions have been working together toward a seamless transition for students and employees.
The new law enables Kean to assume NJCU’s academic and operational responsibilities upon final regulatory approvals. It also provides $25 million in state funding to support the transition. Additionally, it maintains the tenure rights and academic rank of NJCU faculty and staff, under the transfer.
Laying the foundation
“This merger lays the foundation for what can become a model of innovation and collaboration of urban higher education,” said Senate President Nick Scutari, D-22nd District. Scutari served as a prime bill sponsor and is an ’89 Kean graduate. “Kean University is New Jersey’s premier urban research university and New Jersey City University has provided access to a quality education for a diverse student body from urban communities.
“It has the ability to open new doors of opportunity for generations of students so they are empowered to succeed.”
“This legislation reaffirms our commitment to students and to expanding opportunities in every corner of the state,” said Assemblywoman Linda Carter, D-22nd District, prime bill sponsor. “By supporting this merger, we’re helping to ensure that higher education remains accessible, affordable, and responsive to the needs of New Jersey’s diverse communities.”
“This is a pivotal moment for students across New Jersey,” said Kean University President Lamont Repollet. “We are grateful to Gov. Murphy and our state legislators, particularly Senate President Nick Scutari and Assemblywoman Linda Carter, for their tremendous support and shared belief in the transformative power of public higher education.
“I also want to thank the dedicated Kean and NJCU teams for leading this effort. Our work is driven by our commitment to our students, and together we are expanding opportunity for generations to come.”
“Today marks a historic moment and yet another milestone step forward for our campus and the community we serve,” said NJCU President Andrés Acebo.
Acebo has lifted the institution from the depths of a fiscal crisis that predated his tenure leading the institution. He’s also instituted a series of reforms and initiatives since taking the helm in January 2023. Moody’s recently upgraded NJCU’s financial standing from “stable” to “positive.”
Continuing education
In July, NJCU dropped the interim title from Acebo’s title, officially appointing him as the university’s 13th president. His inauguration took place in September 2025.
Questions?
New Jersey City University created a dedicated webpage for frequently asked questions about the merger. Find it here.
“For nearly 100 years, NJCU has served as a vital pathway to public higher education in Hudson County and Jersey City, rooted in a deep commitment to access, opportunity, and community,” said Acebo. “Through this merger, that mission will continue to be strengthened. Our students and our community will have access to expanded academic offerings, enhanced resources and support services, and new community-centered opportunities, all while staying rooted in the Jersey City community that we are proud and privileged to serve.”
State-appointed monitor for NJCU Henry Amoroso said this merger is the right move at the right time.
“It represents an opportunity to build a more sustainable future for higher education in Jersey City, while investing in a university system that uplifts communities across the state,” said Amoroso.
“We selected Kean University as our merger partner because we believe in the transformative vision it brings to higher education,” said Ralph Salermo, chair of the NJCU Board of Trustees. “Kean has the leadership, resources, and commitment to equity and excellence that will secure a vibrant future for the students of Jersey City and honor the mission NJCU has served for nearly a century.”
“The board is proud to advocate for Kean’s upward trajectory as one of the nation’s leading research universities,” said Steve Fastook, ’06 graduate, and chair of the Kean University Board of Trustees. “With the state’s continued investment, we are expanding our public impact and bringing new opportunities to students in Jersey City and beyond.”
