Ramapo College's Longtime President Stepping Down In 2021

MAHWAH, NJ – Ramapo College of New Jersey's longtime president will step down at the end of his current contract in June 2021, the school announced.

Under Peter Mercer’s leadership over the last 14 years, the public college has experienced growth in enrollment and expanded its program offerings, while keeping its cumulative tuition one of the lowest in the state, according to the school.

Mercer was named Ramapo College’s fourth president in July 2005. Previously, he worked at the University of Western Ontario, where he served as dean of the law school and then as vice president and general counsel.

William F. Dator, Chair of the College’s Board of Trustees, said Mercer is “a tremendous asset to public higher education in New Jersey. Ramapo College students and alumni have benefited from his steadfast vision and his unwavering dedication to the mission of the College.”

According to trustees, Mercer has remained committed to keeping the school affordable. Last year, with support from countless donors and the Ramapo College Foundation, Ramapo College awarded more than $700,000 in scholarships, up from $583,000 two years earlier.

Mercer also helped secure $15 million from the state for the school’s 80,000-square foot library renovation to construct a new learning commons. The new facility is scheduled to open in 2021.

Over the past several years, Mercer has led Ramapo College through a transformative campus-wide building program that has resulted in the completion of the Anisfield School of Business, the Bill Bradley Sports and Recreation Center, the Overlook and Laurel residence halls, the Sharp Sustainability Education Center, the Salameno Spiritual Center and the Adler Center for Nursing Excellence, according to the school.

The college has recently completed renovation to its academic complex that houses state-of-the-art science and research laboratories and other instructional and social space, in addition to ongoing projects across campus, and is currently embarking on major renovations to the George T. Potter Library, according to the school.

Ramapo College has also consistently ranked as one of the best schools in the country by U.S. News and World Report and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine.

“The Board of Trustees is confident that the College will continue to thrive under his leadership for the next two years,” Dator added.

That period of time includes the college’s 50thanniversary celebration, the opening of a new learning commons and continuing to meet objectives in its strategic plan.

A search for his replacement is underway and a search committee, which will include staff, alumni, students, administration and foundation representation, is being formed.