NJCU president Henderson resigns

Gabrielle Saulsbery//June 28, 2022

New Jersey City University President Sue Henderson is resigning, effective July 1.

Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kroll will take Henderson’s post upon her resignation on a temporary basis, but asked the board of trustees not to consider him as a candidate for her permanent replacement.

“As I bid farewell, I look forward with pride and confidence to the impressive future that lies ahead for NJCU,” said Henderson in an email sent out to the NJCU community that announced her leaving, according to the school’s student paper, Gothic Times.

From left, Guarini Institute Executive Director Adrian Franco, NJCU President Sue Henderson and Consul General of Mexico in New York Jorge Islas Lopez sign a memorandum of understanding between New Jersey City University and the Consulate General of Mexico in New York in October 2021 to foster academic exchanges, community outreach and participation in the Acelera Nueva Jersey program. – NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY

“No one knows how higher education will evolve in the coming years. We just know that it will be a time of unprecedented change and considerable stress. Yet we can be confident that NJCU will be a shining light for years to come,” the message continued.

Henderson is the first female president at NJCU, a position she took on in August 2012. Under her leadership, the university saw the addition of the School of Business at Harborside, the West Campus project, and the opening of a Fort Monmouth satellite campus. The four-year graduation rate during her tenure increased from 7% in 2014 to 23% in 2022.

In 2020, she spearheaded the $10 million fundraising effort for the Caroline and Frank Guarini Sr. Performing Arts Center. When completed, it will be a 25,437 square-foot theatrical showplace comprised of a 492-seat theater with orchestra pit and fly stage; a 100-seat recital hall; two large dance studios, for both rehearsal and performances, with exterior glass walls looking out to a large public plaza; performers’ dressing rooms; scenery fabrication shop and storage; grand lobby and special event space.

“Throughout her presidency, Sue has demonstrated a deep commitment to academic excellence and access to a quality, affordable higher education for our diverse student population,” said Joseph Scott, chair of the board the trustees, in a prepared statement. “The board of trustees thanks her and wishes her well in her future endeavors.”