News & Events
Kean’s John S. Watson Institute Honors Namesake on His 100th Birthday
August 2024
Kean University’s John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research celebrates the 100th birthday of its namesake, the late John S. Watson Sr., and will kick off a year of programs and events continuing the visionary leader’s legacy.
A six-term New Jersey assemblyman and father of U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Watson was born on August 14, 1924. Throughout his life until his death in 1996, he exhibited the dedication to service and drive for excellence that inspired naming of the Watson Institute in his honor. Learn more here.
Who's Who in Healthcare
July 2024
Congratulations to Barbara George Johnson, J.D., vice president of external affairs and urban policy and research at Kean, who was named to "Who’s Who in Health Care" by South Jersey Biz for her career in public health and "going above and beyond" for the good of the community.
Click for more information: https://bit.ly/3VGBXrW
July 2023
Urban Mayors Policy Center Supporting NJ Clean Communities Initiatives
New Jersey Clean Communities (NJCC), New Jersey’s only statewide, comprehensive, litter-abatement program has partnered with the Urban Mayors Policy Center (UMPC) to advance community cleanup efforts and support to urban centers awarded NJCC grants to address clean, healthy, and safe communities.
On July 22 nd , the UMPC kicked off a clean community’s initiative in the Township of Hillside addressing litter on four business corridors. The kickoff engaged residents, youth and business and raised awareness to clean up efforts regularly. While the launch was held in Hillside, efforts will expand to other New Jersey Urban Mayor Association cities including Elizabeth, Roselle, Plainfield, & Linden.
To learn more about New Jersey Clean Communities visit, https://www.njclean.org.
For support in designing a clean community’s campaign in your community, contact njuma@kean.edu.
Brownfields Redevelopment Workshop
A collaboration between the Urban Mayors Policy Center, the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Region 2, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Technical Assistance Brownfield Program, led a Brownfields redevelopment workshop for members of the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association (NJUMA) from Atlantic City, Bridgeton, Camden, Millville, Pleasantville, Willingboro and neighboring cities.
The workshop provided attendees with foundational information about brownfields, available resources to establish brownfield redevelopment, and case studies of successful brownfield projects implemented in other communities. Additionally, the workshop provided compelling evidence of the significant benefits associated with the remediation and removal of contaminants from sites, including air and water quality improvements, and position communities to be more climate resilient.
The resources made available by all partners leading the workshop presented a wealth of opportunities for cities to revitalize vacant spaces and foster the sustainable redevelopment of their communities.
To learn more about NJUMA, contact, njuma@kean.edu.
The Watson Institute’s Health Policy Center recognizes Juneteenth at the Capital City Farms
For the second year, the Watson Institute’s Health Policy Center participated in a Juneteenth celebration at the Capital City Farm in Trenton.
The Healthy Policy Center, which is leading an initiative on maternal and infant child health in Trenton engaged with mothers and caregivers during the event to learn more about maternal/child health issues and needs.
The eventful day on the farm was filled with activity including live entertainment, opportunities to harvest fresh produce, sample African cuisines and connect with neighbors and other community members to share resources and other information.
The level of engagement, support, excitement and sense of Trenton pride of the community by talking to people was greatly felt. The team enjoyed having conversations with Trentonians as they shared information about the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center that is coming soon to the area.
To learn more about and visit Capital City Farm visit: www.mercercounty.org/parks.
On Monday, July 24, 2023, Governor Murphy signed into law NJ State Senate Bill 3864. The bill establishes the New Jersey Maternal Infant Health Innovation Authority, a new organ of state government whose headquarters will be located in Trenton.
April 2023
Governor Murphy Announces Nation's First Environmental Justice Rules to Reduce Pollution in Vulnerable Communities
Nicky Sheats, Ph.D., director of the Center for the Urban Environment, at the John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research at Kean, said New Jersey’s landmark Environmental Justice Law and its community-first approach are “an important step in addressing the disproportionate and harmful pollution that plagues communities of color and communities with low-income in our state.” See also Gloucester City News.