NJCU Unveils Bold New Initiative to Forge Stronger University-Community Ties

August 22, 2024
Hepburn Hall 12-IMGP9173

The President’s Community Advisory Council will Include Community Leaders, Anchor Organizations, Elected Officials, Local Business Owners and Many More Who Will Contribute to NJCU’s Mission


JERSEY CITY, N.J. | New Jersey City University (NJCU) New Jersey City University (NJCU) is excited to announce the creation of the NJCU President’s Community Advisory Council, a new initiative designed to strengthen the bond between the university and the surrounding community. The establishment of the President’s Council seeks to formalize and strengthen the collaborative relationships that have been built with numerous stakeholders over the past 18 months, marking a significant step forward in canalizing mutual trust and support.

“We will continue to tether together the university and the local community by fostering collaboration and shared responsibility to build out the reach of our revitalized mission into its second century with meaningful and deliberate engagement,” said NJCU Interim President Andrés Acebo. “Through this initiative, NJCU is committed to working closely with community members to contribute to the growth and well-being of both the university mission and the region it serves with values-centered pillars worthy of the remarkable individuals our work touches and is privileged to serve.”

The following local leaders have accepted positions as part of President Acebo’s Community Advisory Council:
 

 

Silvia Abbato           

Superintendent, Union City Public Schools

Annette Chapparo   

Former Assemblywoman

Joseph Cossolini

President, Jersey City PBA

Luis de la Hoz     

Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey

Emory Edwards  

President and CEO, Hudson County Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Norma Fernandez 

Superintendent, Jersey City Public Schools

Gary Greenberg  

Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County

Dr. Floyd Jeter

Chief Diversity Officer, City of Jersey City

Suraj Kaufman    

CEO/Founder, Sneaker Room Jersey City

Patrick Kelleher   

Hudson County Building and Construction Trades Council

Amy Lin-Rodriguez  

Superintendent, Hudson County Schools of Technology

Tanya Marione    

Director of City Planning (Jersey City)

Barbara Martinez

Executive Director, New Jersey Children’s Foundation

Tiffany McQueary

Development Officer, Jersey City Free Public Library

Carlos Medina     

Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey

John J. Niesz          

Superintendent, City of Bayonne Public Schools

Michael Prilustsky

President and CEO, Jersey City Medical Center

Mira Prinz-Arey  

Jersey City Councilwoman

Dr. Chris Reber   

President, Hudson County Community College

Gabriel Rodriguez

Assemblyman

Christine Stoll         

Legislative District 32 Aide

Prospectus and Charter for NJCU President's Community Advisory Council
 

Acebo NJCU-HCCC-Connect-8353
NJCU President Andrés Acebo.speaking at the Hudson Connect press conference in December.


The NJCU President’s Community Advisory Council is committed to enhancing the university’s engagement with the local community through various collaborative initiatives. By prioritizing transparent communication and shared responsibility, the council will work to build a more connected and supportive community that promotes educational excellence, economic development, and social well-being. This mission aligns with NJCU’s core values of inclusivity, equity, and justice, ensuring that the university continues to be a force for positive change in the region.

The launch of the NJCU President’s Community Advisory Council underscores the university’s past efforts to create lasting bonds through local partnerships with organizations like the Boys and Girls ClubHudson County Community College and Jersey City Police Benevolent Officers’ Association to create pathways for students and others who wish to further their education in an environment that prioritizes working hand-in-hand with the community for a brighter, more connected future. By fostering a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility, NJCU is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of its students and the broader community.
 


About NJCU: 
New Jersey City University is a comprehensive public regional institution of higher learning located in Jersey City, N.J., dedicated to the development of our students, our city, our communities, and our state. We are a game-changing force for our students and have been recognized as one of the top colleges in the nation improving their upward economic mobility. In fact, NJCU has been ranked No. 1 in New Jersey and Top 10 in the nation in the CollegeNET Social Mobility Index for 2023. Whether enrolled in one of our undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs at our three locations, NJCU students have access to an affordable, diverse environment, and an exceptionally supportive faculty. This prepares them to go on to become the next generation of workers and leaders who improve their communities and the State of New Jersey.

 

www.NJCU.edu
 


Contact: 
Ira Thor, Associate Vice President for University Communications | ithor@njcu.edu | 201-200-3301