The AFT is remembering the longtime contributions of Nicholas Yovnello, president of the Council of New Jersey State College Locals, who died in a car accident July 7 in Washington Township, N.J. He was 64.
Yovnello was a member of the AFT Higher Education program and policy council. He led the CNJSCL starting in 1997, and served as president of the Federation of Rowan College Educators from 1993 to 1999. He was also a professor at Rowan University and assistant director of the Campbell Library there.
Less than a week before he died, Yovnello led a CNJSCL negotiating team in bargaining an agreement on a four-year contract covering more than 4,000 full-time faculty, librarians and professional staff at nine state colleges and universities. He told NJ Today that the 14 months of discussions were the most difficult he had experienced in his 40 years of bargaining, but that “we were able to withstand demands that would have decreased our ability to attract and retain skilled faculty, librarians and professional staff.”
Widely respected both within and outside New Jersey’s labor movement, Yovnello was recognized for his ability to build bridges between the diverse communities that affect the future of higher education in New Jersey. He has been described by his friends and adversaries alike as smart, a gentlemen, driven, steadfast, calm—and dedicated to the welfare of the people he served.
“It has been a privilege for the AFT to work with Nick and the Council of New Jersey State College Locals in their efforts to ensure that higher education faculty and staff are treated professionally, to help their students and to strengthen their communities,” says AFT president Randi Weingarten. “This is an immense loss not only for the council, but also for all of AFT New Jersey. Nick’s passion was great, his vision was clear, and his commitment was steadfast. His life’s work stands as a true testament to his dedication as an educator and a union member.”
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