Kean University and New Jersey City University Sign Letter of Intent in Next Step Toward Historic Merger

Kean University and New Jersey City University (NJCU) today signed a Letter of Intent (LOI), advancing a proposed historic merger that would integrate NJCU into Kean and enhance access to innovative and inclusive higher education across New Jersey. 

The planned merger, subject to regulatory and accreditation approvals and a formal definitive agreement to be entered into between the two institutions, would see Kean University assume NJCU and operate an additional location to be known as “Kean Jersey City.” It would preserve NJCU’s mission of serving first-generation, adult and historically underserved students while advancing Kean’s role as the state’s urban research university and a newly designated R2 research university. 

“This strategy honors the legacy of NJCU while elevating our shared commitment to access, equity and excellence,” said Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “By coming together, we are creating a stronger, more resilient public higher education system that meets the needs of New Jersey’s students and communities. Together, Kean and NJCU reaffirm our responsibility as anchor institutions to uplift and empower the people we serve.” 

“As we approach NJCU’s centennial, this historic merger will mark the beginning of the next chapter in our mission to deliver accessible and equitable public higher education,” said NJCU Interim President Andrés Acebo, J.D. “Through a collaborative process rooted in student and community engagement, I’m confident we will unite our campus communities in a way that celebrates our distinct cultures and builds a more vibrant, inclusive and innovative university for the next century.” 

Under the planned merger, the Kean president would ultimately assume executive oversight, while a campus chancellor appointed by the Kean president would lead Kean Jersey City. After full merger approval, NJCU students would automatically become Kean students, without disrupting their education. Kean would assume NJCU’s assets and liabilities. 

“This partnership reflects our strategic vision to build a robust, inclusive university that meets the needs of New Jersey’s students,” said Steve Fastook ’06H, chair of the Kean University Board of Trustees. “We are committed to shaping a future where public higher education drives meaningful social and economic impact.” 

"Today's signing of the LOI represents a ceremonial yet significant milestone in this process,” said Luke Visconti, chair of the NJCU Board of Trustees. “It provides an important framework for the detailed discussions that will follow. The Board of Trustees is optimistic that the collaborative dialogue over the coming weeks and months will yield a partnership model that honors the unique strengths and traditions of both institutions while creating a stronger, more resilient university that better serves our students and communities." 

An integration planning team, including representatives from both universities, will begin work immediately to coordinate the merger process with the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE). Shared services agreements will be developed to ensure operational efficiency and enhanced student success. 

“The State is pleased to see New Jersey City University and Kean University take this important step toward a strategic merger,” said New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges, Ph.D. “The collaboration between these two mission-aligned institutions reflects a thoughtful and student-focused approach that fulfills the obligations of the Transition Plan, supports long-term institutional resilience, and prioritizes student success.” 

The nonbinding LOI outlines a multi-phase regulatory process beginning with a change in control, targeted for June 2026, pending approval from the Kean University Board of Trustees, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the New Jersey State Legislature and OSHE. That will be followed by a final merger implementation, subject to United States Department of Education (USDOE) approval, whereby the NJCU campus becomes an additional location of Kean University operating as Kean Jersey City.