Gov. Phil Murphy has signed legislation advancing the historic merger of Kean University and New Jersey City University. The milestone positions Kean to integrate NJCU as Kean Jersey City in Summer 2026, expanding Kean’s mission as New Jersey’s urban research university while preserving access, equity and opportunity for students across the state. (Photo: Kean Hall via Kean University)

UNION, N.J. — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy today signed legislation that advances the historic merger of Kean University and New Jersey City University (NJCU), marking a significant milestone in the transformation of public higher education in New Jersey.

The new law positions Kean to expand its mission as New Jersey’s urban research university by integrating NJCU as Kean Jersey City in Summer 2026.

“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.”

“As a proud Kean graduate, I know firsthand the life-changing impact that access to higher education can have,” said Senate President Nicholas Scutari ’89, who introduced the Senate bill. “This merger expands that access in powerful ways, bringing new opportunities to students and strengthening the future of public higher education in New Jersey.”

The merger remains subject to review by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the U.S. Department of Education. It is expected to be completed by July 1, 2026. At that time, all NJCU students will become Kean students, and the Jersey City campus will begin operating as Kean’s metropolitan campus, known as Kean Jersey City.

“The Board is proud to advocate for Kean’s upward trajectory as one of the nation’s leading research universities,” said Steve Fastook ’06H, 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.”

The newly signed legislation enables Kean to assume NJCU’s academic and operational responsibilities upon final regulatory approvals and provides $25 million in state funding to support the transition.

“This legislation reaffirms our commitment to students and to expanding opportunities in every corner of the state,” said Assemblywoman Linda Carter, who also sponsored the legislation. “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.”

The legislation authorizes the full transfer of NJCU’s academic programs, facilities and assets to Kean, and ensures the continuation of support for Hudson County students through the NJCU Foundation.

“This merger is the right move at the right time,” said Henry Amoroso, state-appointed monitor for NJCU. “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.”

The merger preserves access to higher education in New Jersey’s second-largest city and aligns with Kean’s core values of equity, inclusivity and social mobility. With its designation as an R2 Carnegie research university, Kean offers students expanded research opportunities, academic programs and career pathways throughout its campuses.

“Today marks a historic moment and yet another milestone step forward for our campus and the community we serve,” said NJCU President Andrés Acebo, J.D. “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. 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.”

Kean and NJCU entered into a formal merger agreement on October 1, 2025, following NJCU’s selection of Kean as its strategic partner earlier in the year. The institutions are working together to ensure a seamless transition for students and employees.

“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."

ABOUT KEAN UNIVERSITY

Kean University, New Jersey’s urban research university, is a national institution of higher education recognized for its diversity, innovation and the social mobility of its graduates. Designated an R2 research university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, Kean ranks among the top eight percent of U.S. universities for research and doctorate production. Founded in 1855 as a teachers college, Kean has evolved into a thriving research university that supports students as they persist to graduation, give back to their communities and launch successful careers. Kean’s six colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate programs, six doctoral degree programs and more than 70 options leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications, across a full range of academic subjects. With campuses in Union, Toms River and Manahawkin, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, as well as Kean Online, the University provides students of all backgrounds an affordable and accessible world-class education. Learn more at www.kean.edu.