New Jersey City University (NJCU) officially installed Andrés Acebo as its 13th president during an investiture ceremony on Sept. 10. The event recognized Acebo’s transformative leadership, which guided the university through a severe financial crisis and positioned it for a stable and prosperous future.
Acebo, who was unanimously appointed by the Board of Trustees in July after serving as interim president since January 2023, has been credited with orchestrating an extraordinary turnaround for the institution.
Under his guidance, NJCU received its first-ever positive financial outlook from Moody’s Ratings and has been ranked No. 1 in New Jersey for social mobility.
A key part of his tenure has been the advancement of a historic merger with Kean University, which, upon completion, will create “Kean Jersey City.” This merger is intended to ensure the long-term sustainability of NJCU’s mission while expanding opportunities for students.
A leader rooted in community
During his investiture address, Acebo highlighted his deep connection to the university’s mission and the community that shaped him.
“This moment is not about me—it is about us,” he said. “About the generations who have walked these steps before us: immigrants who carried hope across oceans, first-generation college students who carried dreams across generations… They made this campus the most beautiful thing a university can be — a mirror of its community.”
His leadership has been praised for being both empathetic and strategic. Adam San Miguel, an alumnus, noted that Acebo “brings his whole self into every space: his culture, his compassion, and his sharp sense of humor. … Andy listens. He learns. And then, he acts with purpose and heart.”
Praised for resilience and vision
The ceremony drew hundreds of guests, including leaders from higher education, government, and the community. In a video address, Luke Visconti, chair of the NJCU Board of Trustees, emphasized the impact of Acebo’s tenure. “Andy, you didn’t just save our university—you’ve positioned it to thrive,” Visconti said. “His vision has secured our campus for generations to come.”
As the youngest known president to lead a public university in New Jersey and only the third Hispanic to lead a four-year public institution in the state, Acebo’s story of service and purpose resonated deeply with attendees, underscoring the university’s commitment to social mobility and student success.
