On May 15, the respective presidents of Kean University and New Jersey City University signed a letter of intent to memorialize the terms wherein NJCU may merge with Kean.
As stated in the letter’s Purpose of the Relationship section, the two universities desire to structure a transaction in which Kean would acquire control of NJCU, with Kean being the surviving legal entity and educational institution. NJCU would become an “additional location” of Kean for U.S. Department of Education and Middle States Commission on Higher Education purposes to be known as Kean Jersey City.
“As we move forward following the signing of the letter of intent, we remain committed to ensuring that the values and mission of NJCU — deeply rooted in Jersey City and serving the broader Hudson and Essex County communities — remain central in this process,” AFT Local 1839 President William Calathes, who attended the letter-signing ceremony, said May 19. “Our university has long been a vital access point to higher education for working-class and first-generation students. As president of the local, I will continue to advocate for the protection of all jobs, including those of our dedicated professional staff, and the full recognition of seniority rights and local agreements. We welcome the opportunity for a stronger future, but that future must include real security and respect for the people who have carried this institution forward.”
Elsewhere, Moody’s Ratings recently upgraded NJCU’s financial outlook to positive — a first in the university’s history.
On May 20, Calathes referred to the Moody’s upgrade as “a testament to the determination, discipline and shared sacrifice of all those who have worked tirelessly to stabilize and begin revitalizing our institution. … Our union has long advocated for fiscal transparency, academic integrity and protecting the rights and well-being of the students and workers who make NJCU thrive. We are proud of the role that our members have played in helping NJCU weather this challenging period.”
ABOVE: Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet (left) and New Jersey City University Interim President Andrés Acebo sign the Kean-NJCU letter of intent May 15 on the Kean campus. (Photo courtesy of Kean University)
