Uniting Rutgers, medical schools would place N.J. among academic elite

Albert R. Gamper Jr. is the former chairman and chief executive of CIT Group. He served as chairman of the Rutgers Board of Governors from 2004 to 2007 and is a member of the Rutgers Board of Trustees.

Our state has an opportunity that comes along once in a generation: a chance to improve the well-being of New Jerseyans through innovation in medical education and research. But this vision — outlined in a report released by a panel appointed by Gov. Chris Christie — can become a reality only if state leaders and New Jersey voters are willing to commit the necessary resources.

I am referring to the report of the committee on medical education in New Jersey, chaired by Sol Barer, a leader in the field of biotechnology. The Barer Committee has endorsed the integration of Rutgers University with the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey and the School of Public Health, as well as the merger of Rutgers’ Camden campus with Rowan University in Glassboro and Rowan’s Cooper Medical School in Camden.

Having spent 13 years on the Rutgers Board of Governors, three as chairman, as well as serving as a Rutgers trustee and co-chair of the university’s $1 billion fundraising campaign, I have deep commitments to the university. I am also a Rutgers graduate. I am intrigued by the Barer Committee’s recommendations. There are issues to resolve, but enough is known to give an informed opinion.

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