A group of lawmakers issued a statement affirming support for New Jersey City University (NJCU), while also applauding the efforts of interim President Andres Acebo.

Members of the New Jersey Legislative Caucuses signed the June 4 statement, including the Latino Legislative Caucus, Black Legislative Caucus and the Hudson County Legislative Delegation.

NJBIZ has extensively chronicled the Acebo-led efforts to bring the university out of a budget mess that led to the leadership change, as well as the installation of the state-appointed monitor. Acebo came on in the aftermath.

“We applaud the servant leadership that the state and our communities have witnessed from NJCU Interim President Andres Acebo, J.D. President Acebo is the only current Latino to lead any institution of higher education in New Jersey and the youngest known ever to lead a public university in our state,” the statement said. “Equally notable is that he also personifies the stories of the students he serves as a first-generation, public school-educated son of working-class immigrants, born and raised in Hudson County, who became the first person in his family to attend college.”

We applaud the servant leadership that the state and our communities have witnessed from NJCU Interim President Andres Acebo…”
– New Jersey Legislative Caucuses

The members stressed continued commitment and support for NJCU’s revitalized mission and the thousands of students and families the school serves, as well as its faculty and staff.

“Many members, who have proudly grown in number in the new legislative session, have deep and personal ties to the University’s mission and the students and families it touches,” the statement continues. “We personify the stories of the students who walk onto NJCU’s campus, and some of us attended and graduated from the University, which is why we proudly supported last year’s legislative stabilization appropriation and will continue to legislatively support the University’s work and commitment to the population it serves.”

The statement highlighted particular efforts undertaken by Acebo and his team, many of which NJBIZ has reported, such as:

• The implementation of a Recovery and Revitalization Plan;
• A refreshed Mission and Vision;
• An integrated NJCU Strategic Plan;
• Notable project labor agreements and MOUs;
• And more.

‘Significant strides’

“Public records affirm the University’s significant strides at an unprecedented pace under Acebo’s leadership. A global rating agency improved the University’s financial outlook to stability while achieving new milestones in access and affordability, responsive academic and curricular reform, shared governance, labor relations, and community engagement,” the statement continued. “The University has been led with exception resilience in navigating challenges posed by the global pandemic, higher education disruptions, and structural and systemic financial issues.”

“Quick and decisive actions, commitment to shared governance, collegial work with organized labor, community engagement, strategic planning and implementation, and a student-centric mission-driven commitment have positioned the University to better serve the communities we represent,” the members wrote.

The members closed the statement by recognizing the significant transformations underway at NJCU, “under uniquely representative leadership and stewardship.”

“We have witnessed the University community’s tireless work to place itself on stable footing, reorganize and reallocate structures, processes and resources, and ensure that students will have continued and enhanced access to a dedicated and engaged faculty and staff for the institution’s second century serving the State of New Jersey,” the members said, adding: “We applaud the work of President Acebo and NJCU’s students, faculty, and staff. We unequivocally support their continued leadership and work to ensure stability, community engagement, strategic growth, and student-centered service.”

You can read the full statement here.

“We’re honored and inspired to see our community championed, our work celebrated, and our value affirmed,” Acebo told NJBIZ.

Forging a path forward

Meanwhile, the Assembly and Higher Education Committees will meet for a joint hearing Monday to receive testimony regarding the findings of NJCU’s Fiscal & Governance Monitoring Report and Accountability Plan.

Released in March by state-appointed monitor Henry Amoroso, he will testify June 10 along with Acebo and Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges.

“NJCU is the only four-year anniversary in Hudson County, where it plays an important role in offering an affordable college education to its student body,” said Sen. Joe Cryan, D-20th District, chair of the Senate Education Committee. “Like other institutions of higher education in New Jersey, the school’s financial health is important for its students, their families, and the taxpayers. While the school has made real progress in addressing its financial problems, I want this hearing to help the Legislature and others to determine a path forward in a financially responsible way.”

Assemblywoman Linda Carter, D-22nd District, chair of the Assembly Education Committee, noted the recent, unprecedented challenges NJCU has experienced.

“Now, the focus is on supporting its prosperity and ensuring it continues shaping the promising futures for numerous Hudson County and New Jersey students,” said Carter. “NJCU has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for many individuals, providing them with the tools and resources to succeed – as evidenced by the many achievements of their countless alumni.”