Kean University and New Jersey City University on Thursday signed a Letter of Intent (LOI), to officially merge NJCU into Kean and enhance access to innovative and inclusive higher education across New Jersey.
New Jersey City University would be renamed Kean Jersey City. Kean University’s name would remain unchanged.
The tentative deal is subject to regulatory and accreditation approvals, along with a final agreement between the two universities.
“By coming together, we are creating a stronger, more resilient public higher education system that meets the needs of New Jersey’s students and communities. Together, Kean and NJCU reaffirm our responsibility as anchor institutions to uplift and empower the people we serve,” Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet said.
“As we approach NJCU’s centennial, this historic merger will mark the beginning of the next chapter in our mission to deliver accessible and equitable public higher education,” NJCU Interim President Andrés Acebo said. “Through a collaborative process rooted in student and community engagement, I’m confident we will unite our campus communities in a way that celebrates our distinct cultures and builds a more vibrant, inclusive and innovative university for the next century.”
Under the planned merger, the Kean president would ultimately assume executive oversight, while a campus chancellor appointed by the Kean president would lead Kean Jersey City.
After full merger approval, NJCU students would automatically become Kean students, without disrupting their education. Kean would assume NJCU’s assets and liabilities.
An integration planning team, including representatives from both universities, will begin work immediately to coordinate the merger process with the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE). Shared services agreements will be developed to ensure operational efficiency and enhanced student success.
“The State is pleased to see New Jersey City University and Kean University take this important step toward a strategic merger,” New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges, said. “The collaboration between these two mission-aligned institutions reflects a thoughtful and student-focused approach that fulfills the obligations of the Transition Plan, supports long-term institutional resilience, and prioritizes student success.”
