Kean University and New Jersey City University Sign Letter of Intent in Next Step Toward Historic Merger
UNION, N.J. | Kean University and (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.
Read President Acebo's Remarks | View the LOI
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, 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. “The collaboration between these two mission-aligned institutions reflects a thoughtful and student-focused approach that fulfills the obligations of the Transition Plan, ĂŰĚŇtvs 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.
ĂŰĚŇtv 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 ĂŰĚŇtv 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 ĂŰĚŇtvs 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.
ĂŰĚŇtv NJCU:
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 ĂŰĚŇtvive environment for learning, professional development, and community engagement. Recognized as a top university for improving upward economic social ĂŰĚŇtv, students enrolled in our undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs have access to an affordable, diverse environment, and an exceptionally ĂŰĚŇtvive 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.
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Contact:
Ira Thor, Associate Vice President for University Communications and Marketing | ithor@njcu.edu | 201-200-3301
Nicole Francisco, AVP for Media Relations, Kean University | nifranci@kean.edu | 908-737-0583