Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation Monday that advances the historic merger of Kean University and New Jersey City University.
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.
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.
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.
Kean President Lamont Repollet said the legislation is a significant milestone in the transformation of public higher education in New Jersey.
“This is a pivotal moment for students across New Jersey,” he said. “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.”
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,” Henry Amoroso, the state-appointed monitor for NJCU, said. “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,” NJCU President Andrés Acebo said. “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 this year. The institutions are working together to ensure a seamless transition for students and employees.
Scutari, who introduced the Senate bill, is an alum of the school (Class of 1989). He applauded the day.
“As a proud Kean graduate, I know firsthand the life-changing impact that access to higher education can have,” he said. “This merger expands that access in powerful ways, bringing new opportunities to students and strengthening the future of public higher education in New Jersey.”
