New Jersey City University To Merge With Kean, Becoming 'Kean Jersey City'

JERSEY CITY, NJ — After struggling with financial difficulties for several years, New Jersey City University will soon become Kean Jersey City, announced Kean University President Lamont Repollet on Wednesday night.

The announcement came after New Jersey City University's Board of Directors said on Wednesday that it had accepted Kean's proposal for a "strategic merger."

New Jersey City University was founded in 1927 opened in 1929 as the New Jersey State Normal School at Jersey City.

After years of financial difficulties, a state monitor suggested last year that NJCU look into merger proposals. Kean submitted its proposal earlier in 2025.

Praise From Murphy

On Thursday, Gov. Phil Murphy's office praised the merger in a statement, saying, "The Murphy administration is encouraged by the forward-moving progress at NJCU ... Maintaining access to high-quality post-secondary education for students and the community, who have long benefitted from NJCU’s local presence, forms the basis of our shared commitment to the institution's future. "

Repollet said Wednesday, "I am proud and delighted to announce that New Jersey City University’s Board of Trustees this afternoon voted to accept Kean University’s merger proposal. Over the next several weeks, we will negotiate a letter of intent with NJCU that begins a thoughtful and hopefully successful process of bringing the long-serving institution into the Kean University system as Kean Jersey City.

"NJCU has served as an anchor institution for Jersey City for nearly a century, providing an accessible and community-centered education to a diverse student body ... all traits we share and will preserve as we work to welcome NJCU into a Kean system."

There's even a Kean Jersey City website that will evolve as the merger process unfolds.

NJCU Trustees And Teachers Respond

NJCU's Board of Trustees released a short statement saying, in part, "The University’s Board of Trustees voted today to pursue a strategic merger with Kean University. The Board’s decision follows a deliberate and thorough evaluation of strategic options aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the University’s mission and strengthening our commitment to students, faculty and staff, alumni and the Jersey City and Hudson County communities we serve."

William Calathes, the president of NJCU's faculty union, AFT 1839, said, “I remain hopeful and committed to our shared goal: ensuring the health and vitality of NJCU, the success of our students, and the workforce stability of all our union members." He also encouraged legislators to support a three- year period of continued employment for NJCU union members.

Repollet said, "Jersey City’s proximity to New York City is a tremendous asset providing students with unparalleled access to internships, cultural experiences and networking opportunities ... One of the most significant advantages of this merger is the opportunity to enhance student support services. By combining resources, we will offer more comprehensive academic advising, counseling and mentorship programs tailored to our students’ unique needs."

Kean is located in Union, Elizabeth, and Hillside.

Read the resolution designating the "strategic partnership" here.

Read Repollet's full statement here.