Governor Phil Murphy has signed a new law that advances the merger between Kean University and New Jersey City University (NJCU). The legislation allows Kean to expand its role as an urban research university by integrating NJCU as Kean Jersey City, with the transition expected in summer 2026.
The law enables Kean to take over NJCU’s academic and operational responsibilities once final regulatory approvals are granted. It also provides $25 million in state funding for the transition, permits the transfer of NJCU’s programs, facilities, and assets to Kean, and maintains support for Hudson County students through the NJCU Foundation.
The merger is pending review by both the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the U.S. Department of Education. If approved, it is anticipated to be completed by July 1, 2026. At that point, all current NJCU students will become Kean students, and the Jersey City campus will operate as Kean’s metropolitan location under the name Kean Jersey City.
“This is a pivotal moment for students across New Jersey,” said Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “We are grateful to Gov. Murphy and our state legislators, particularly Senate President Nicholas 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.”
Senate President Nicholas Scutari ’89 introduced the Senate bill supporting this merger. He stated: “As a proud Kean graduate, I know firsthand the life-changing impact that access to higher education can have. This merger expands that access in powerful ways, bringing new opportunities to students and strengthening the future of public higher education in New Jersey.”
Steve Fastook ’06H, chair of the Kean University Board of Trustees added: “The Board is proud to advocate for Kean’s upward trajectory as one of the nation’s leading research universities. With the state’s continued investment, we are expanding our public impact and bringing new opportunities to students in Jersey City and beyond.”
Assemblywoman Linda Carter commented: “This legislation reaffirms our commitment to students and to expanding opportunities in every corner of the state. 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.”
Henry Amoroso, who serves as state-appointed monitor for NJCU 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 our state.”
Kean University holds an R2 Carnegie research designation which offers expanded research options along with academic programs across its campuses.
NJCU President Andrés Acebo stated: “Today marks a historic moment and yet another milestone step forward for our campus and the community we serve… 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…”
Kean University was selected earlier as NJCU’s strategic partner before entering into a formal agreement on October 1, 2025; both institutions aim for a smooth transition process.
Ralph Salermo from NJCU Board of Trustees concluded: “We selected Kean University as our merger partner because we believe in the transformative vision it brings…”
