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Higher Ed

On May 15, 2025

Kean University and New Jersey City University (NJCU) today signed a Letter of Intent (LOI), advancing a proposed merger that would integrate NJCU into Kean.

The planned merger, subject to regulatory and accreditation approvals and a formal definitive agreement to be entered into between the two institutions, would see Kean University assume NJCU and operate an additional location to be known as “Kean Jersey City.”

“This strategy honors the legacy of NJCU while elevating our shared commitment to access, equity and excellence,” said Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “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.”

“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,” said NJCU Interim President Andrés Acebo, J.D. “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.

“This partnership reflects our strategic vision to build a robust, inclusive university that meets the needs of New Jersey’s students,” said Steve Fastook ’06H, chair of the Kean University Board of Trustees. “We are committed to shaping a future where public higher education drives meaningful social and economic impact.”

“Today’s signing of the LOI represents a ceremonial yet significant milestone in this process,” said Luke Visconti, chair of the NJCU Board of Trustees. “It provides an important framework for the detailed discussions that will follow. The Board of Trustees is optimistic that the collaborative dialogue over the coming weeks and months will yield a partnership model that honors the unique strengths and traditions of both institutions while creating a stronger, more resilient university that better serves our students and communities.”

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,” said New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges, Ph.D. “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.”

The nonbinding LOI outlines a multi-phase regulatory process beginning with a change in control, targeted for June 2026, pending approval from the Kean University Board of Trustees, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the New Jersey State Legislature and OSHE. That will be followed by a final merger implementation, subject to United States Department of Education (USDOE) approval, whereby the NJCU campus becomes an additional location of Kean University operating as Kean Jersey City.

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Kean University and New Jersey City University Sign Letter of Intent in Next Step Toward Historic Merger

UNION, N.J. — Kean University and New Jersey City University (NJCU) today signed a Letter of Intent (LOI), advancing a proposed historic merger that would integrate NJCU into Kean and enhance access to innovative and inclusive higher education across New Jersey.

The planned merger, subject to regulatory and accreditation approvals and a formal definitive agreement to be entered into between the two institutions, would see Kean University assume NJCU and operate an additional location to be known as “Kean Jersey City.” It would preserve NJCU’s mission of serving first-generation, adult and historically underserved students while advancing Kean’s role as the state’s urban research university and a newly designated R2 research university.

“This strategy honors the legacy of NJCU while elevating our shared commitment to access, equity and excellence,” said Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “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.”

“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,” said NJCU Interim President Andrés Acebo, J.D. “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.

“This partnership reflects our strategic vision to build a robust, inclusive university that meets the needs of New Jersey’s students,” said Steve Fastook ’06H, chair of the Kean University Board of Trustees. “We are committed to shaping a future where public higher education drives meaningful social and economic impact.”

"Today's signing of the LOI represents a ceremonial yet significant milestone in this process,” said Luke Visconti, chair of the NJCU Board of Trustees. “It provides an important framework for the detailed discussions that will follow. The Board of Trustees is optimistic that the collaborative dialogue over the coming weeks and months will yield a partnership model that honors the unique strengths and traditions of both institutions while creating a stronger, more resilient university that better serves our students and communities."

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,” said New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges, Ph.D. “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.”

The nonbinding LOI outlines a multi-phase regulatory process beginning with a change in control, targeted for June 2026, pending approval from the Kean University Board of Trustees, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the New Jersey State Legislature and OSHE. That will be followed by a final merger implementation, subject to United States Department of Education (USDOE) approval, whereby the NJCU campus becomes an additional location of Kean University operating as Kean Jersey City.

PHOTO/CAPTION:

Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., and New Jersey City University Interim President Andrés Acebo, J.D., today signed a Letter of Intent, advancing a proposed merger to integrate NJCU into Kean and enhance access to higher education across New Jersey. (Photo Credit: Kean University)

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]www.kean.edu.

ABOUT NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY

New Jersey City University is a comprehensive public regional institution committed to providing a high-quality education to a diverse student population. Located in Jersey City, New Jersey, NJCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for learning, professional development, and community engagement. Recognized as a top university for improving upward economic social mobility, students enrolled in our undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs have access to an affordable, diverse environment, and an exceptionally supportive faculty. This prepares them to go on to become the next generation of workers and leaders who improve their communities and the State of New Jersey. Learn more at [www.NJCU.edu]www.NJCU.edu.

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One of the reasons we love living in Hudson County is the multitude of ways to get around town, but this weekend, repairs on both the roads and rails — combined with special event road closures — will create a challenge for those in transit. Read on for more about what’s happening with road closures and rail service disruptions in Hoboken and Jersey City this weekend.

Jersey Avenue

Jersey Avenue between Harrison Street in Hoboken and 18th Street in Jersey City has been closed 24 hours a day since April 14th, 2025. The roads are closed so crews can complete work to install a flood gate to mitigate stormwater. The work has been extended for several more weeks, with the southbound portion of Jersey Avenue reopening on May 23rd. More on the Jersey Avenue closure here.

Sinatra Drive

The eastern lane of Sinatra Drive from approximately Fifth Street to Sinatra Drive North has been closed 24/7 since April 10th. This is part of the City’s Waterfront Reconstruction Project. The lane is closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic and is anticipated to reopen in Fall 2025. More on the Sinatra Drive closure here.

Washington Street

The Hoboken Arts and Music Festival will take place on Sunday, May 18th. The festival will result in Washington Street being closed between Observer Highway and Seventh Street.

A rideshare drop-off zone will be located on the west side of Washington Street from Eighth to Ninth Street. Parking will be extremely limited, and there is a gridlock advisory from 4PM to 8PM on Sunday, according to a Nixle alert from the City.

Read More: Hoboken’s 2025 Spring Arts + Music Festival Happening on 5/18

Hudson-Bergen Light Rail

Per a Nixle alert from the City of Hoboken, NJ Transit and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) are planning to conduct construction that would necessitate a double-track outage in the northern section of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) system throughout this weekend. 19th Street in Weehawken would be fully closed west of the HBLR track crossing, between Waterfront Terrace and the Hartz Mountain ramp, between 8AM on Saturday, May 17th, through 8PM on Sunday, May 18th.

NJ Transit Rail Lines + Buses

NJ Transit may be shut down beginning May 16th due to a worker strike. NJ Transit has estimated that this strike would affect 350,000 daily NJ Transit travellers, with 70,000 New York-bound commuters who transfer from NJ Transit rail to PATH trains at Hoboken Terminal and Newark Penn Station being the most impacted.

The agency has drafted a contingency plan in case the strike does happen. Alternative services, which NJ Transit states would cost taxpayers $4 million per day, include New York bus routes and Park + Ride. See what options are available here.

Because of the potential transit strike, there will be no bus service at MetLife Stadium this weekend. Concertgoers are advised to make alternative travel plans.

This piece will be updated on May 16th to reflect the status of the strike.

Read More: Struggle Summer Continues as Delays + Cancellations Disrupt EWR

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Hundreds of thousands of New Jersey commuters may be caught up in the state’s first transit strike in more than 40 years as soon as Friday morning.

The engineers who drive New Jersey Transit’s commuter trains have threatened to walk out after midnight Thursday if the union that represents them cannot reach an agreement with the agency on a contract that has been under negotiation for many months.

Union officials met with NJ Transit executives for several hours on Wednesday and were scheduled to resume negotiating on Thursday. Kris Kolluri, the transit agency’s chief executive, described the talks this week as “constructive.” But it was not clear how close the sides were to averting a shutdown of the rail system.

The engineers have said they are seeking parity in pay with engineers at other commuter railroads in the area. The transit agency’s chief executive, Kris Kolluri, has repeatedly said that it cannot afford the pay increases the union is demanding.

The two sides met with the National Mediation Board in Washington on Monday in a last-ditch effort to resolve their differences. Mr. Kolluri said the discussion was “constructive” and that he looked forward to continuing negotiations in good faith.

In the meantime, New Jersey Transit has drawn up a contingency plan. But Mr. Kolluri said that the additional buses it would offer as a substitute in the event of a strike could handle only about 20 percent of the daily train riders.

The agency has asked commuters to make plans to work from home if their presence in the workplace is not essential. Mr. Kolluri has said a strike could last for weeks.

Among the first casualties of the looming strike were the trains and buses NJ Transit had planned to provide for access to Shakira’s concerts on Thursday and Friday nights at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

The agency canceled that service, for now. A lingering strike could jeopardize transit service to Beyoncé’s five concerts over the following two weeks.

How likely is a strike?

Most threatened transit strikes, like the last one in New Jersey nine years ago, do not materialize.

But the tone of these negotiations has grown harsher as the strike deadline has neared.

Last week, Mr. Kolluri questioned the “mental health” of Thomas Haas, the general chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, after the union’s members overwhelmingly rejected a previous agreement.

Mr. Kolluri and union officials shook hands on a deal that appeared to bridge the impasse more than a month ago. But the union engineers voted it down and sent their negotiator back to the bargaining table.

Mr. Kolluri has refused to increase New Jersey Transit’s offer, saying that any extra pay offered to the engineers would have to be paid to all 14 of the agency’s other unions.

“This is the deal that was offered, that he shook my hands on, that he negotiated, and now he has to live with his consequences,” Mr. Kolluri said.

Mark Wallace, the national president of the engineers’ union, said that Mr. Kolluri was not interested in reaching a deal. “He’s trying to vilify us with the citizens of New Jersey,” Mr. Wallace said.

What are the issues to be resolved?

In most labor negotiations, the two sides disagree on a number of work rules, such as schedules and staffing levels. But this dispute is now just about money.

Mr. Haas said last week that the union had agreed to 95 percent of New Jersey Transit’s demands.

“The only sticking point we have are wages,” he said. “Every other part of this contract is resolved.”

But the gap between the union’s pay demands and what the agency is offering is very wide.

Mr. Kolluri said the offer the union voted down in March would have raised the average annual pay of full-time engineers to $172,000 from $135,000. But Mr. Haas said those figures were inflated. The union, he said, would happily accept a contract that raised engineers’ annual pay to $172,000.

In essence, New Jersey Transit insists that the 450 engineers represented by the union accept the same contract terms that all of the agency’s other unions accepted. Just last week, the agency announced a contract deal with its biggest union, which represents 5,500 employees of its bus network.

But the engineers say they should be paid on a par with the drivers of trains at the region’s other commuter railroads, including the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad. They say those railroads pay their engineers about $10 an hour more than New Jersey Transit pays.

What will happen if there is a strike?

Most commuters do not remember the last transit strike in New Jersey, which happened in 1983 and lasted about three weeks. Another strike loomed in 2016 but was averted a day before it would have begun.

But the contingency plan New Jersey Transit has created is similar to the one used 42 years ago. It involves chartered buses running from four satellite lots around the state to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan or to stations of the PATH train in North Jersey, starting on May 19. There would be no chartered buses on the first day of the strike.

Each bus carries about 100 passengers, compared with as many as 1,000 on a full train, Mr. Kolluri said. The buses will accommodate only about 20 percent of the 70,000 commuters who take trains into the city, he said.

Some displaced commuters are likely to try to switch to existing bus routes operated by New Jersey Transit and private carriers. Others are likely to drive at least part of the way to the city, adding traffic to already congested roads, transportation experts said.

“If the strike does happen, even with a contingency plan in place, this is going to be incredibly disruptive to the region,” said Zoe Baldwin, vice president for state programs at the Regional Plan Association. “No matter what mode you’re on, you’re going to have a more difficult commute than usual.”

JERSEY CITY, NJ — An annual concert that was to feature New Jersey musicians and food this weekend has been postponed, the organizers said Wednesday.

The "Jersey Fest" concert, in its second year, was to take place at the White Eagle Hall concert venue on Saturday night.

It was described as "a night of live music, great food, and pure Jersey spirit" with rock, indie, blues, and folk music from Reality Suite, Emerson Woolf and the Wishbones, and Connor Bracken and the Mother Leeds Band.

Food vendors were to include Rutt’s Hut and Johnny’s Pork Roll and Coffee Too. VIP ticket holders were entitled to special chef's tastings, surprises, a private bar, and more.

"After much consideration, we’ve made the incredibly tough decision to postpone this weekend’s Jersey Fest until later this year," said Radio Garden State. "This wasn’t an easy call. A lot of heart, time, and energy went into planning this event, not just from us, but from the incredible artists and bands, vendors, and partners who helped bring it to life."

Find out what's happening in Jersey Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

They said, "But in order to give this festival the full experience and energy it deserves, for the bands, the vendors, and especially for all of you, we know the right move is to take a step back and reschedule for a date that allows us to deliver on that vision."

They told ticket-holders that they could get a refund or hold onto the ticket for the rescheduled date.

"Jersey Fest will return," they promised, "and when it does, it’ll be louder and better than ever."

A fanwrote, "Sad but also hoping I can make the new date!"

A portion of the proceeds were to be donated to the Jetty Rock Foundation, which supports coastal communities, environmental initiatives, and local businesses in need.

Tickets were $48. Find out more here.

Still looking for live music and Jersey eats? The Hoboken Arts And Music Festival is Sunday. See the lineup here.