On September 10, 2025, New Jersey City University (NJCU) celebrated a milestone as Andrés Acebo officially became its 13th president. The ceremony took place at the Margaret Williams Theatre and felt like a genuine turning point for the university.
Acebo’s leadership came during tough times. At just 39, he’s the youngest president of any New Jersey public university and one of only three Hispanic leaders to head a four-year public institution in the state.
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He stepped in while NJCU faced a severe budget crisis. Despite the odds, he’s managed to push the university toward stability and even some real growth.
A Historic Appointment and Leadership Milestone
Back in July, the NJCU Board of Trustees decided unanimously to remove “interim” from Acebo’s title. They’d seen enough to believe in his leadership since early 2023.
Acebo’s not just an outsider—he’s an NJCU alumnus. That personal connection shapes his vision and keeps him grounded in the needs of both the school and its community.
Breaking Barriers in Higher Education
His inauguration put him among a small group of trailblazing Hispanic leaders in New Jersey higher ed. People point to his appointment as a big deal for representation and diversity in academia.
For NJCU’s diverse student body, Acebo’s rise feels like a win. It’s also a signal to future leaders across the state that there’s room for them at the top.
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Guiding NJCU Through Crisis and Renewal
When Acebo took over as interim president in January 2023, NJCU was in financial freefall. He chose a mix of careful budgeting and gutsy planning to turn things around.
Credit agencies noticed, upgrading the university’s rating. He also launched new programs to boost academics and enrollment.
The Road to “Kean Jersey City”
In May, Acebo signed a letter of intent to merge NJCU with Kean University. This move will create the “Kean Jersey City” campus.
Local leaders called it a smart step. They expect it’ll bring more academic options, open doors for students, and help Jersey City grow as a higher education hub.
The Investiture Ceremony
Hundreds showed up for the inauguration—higher ed leaders, government folks, alumni, and longtime NJCU supporters. Board Chair Luke Visconti praised Acebo, saying he’d not only saved the university but set it up to succeed.
Leadership Defined by Service
During his speech, Acebo called leadership a kind of service, rooted in integrity and care for others. His wife, Janice Acebo, introduced him with heartfelt words about his dedication to the university and his years of advocating for students.
What This Means for Jersey City
With Acebo at the helm, NJCU’s comeback is already affecting Jersey City’s economy, education, and culture. Universities really anchor city neighborhoods, don’t they?
NJCU’s stability helps local businesses and creates jobs, making the area more vibrant. It also makes the city more appealing to students and professionals thinking about their next move.
Visiting and Exploring the City
If you’re heading to NJCU for academic events, graduations, or conferences, you’ll find plenty of solid Jersey City hotels nearby. Whether you’re in town for the university or just curious about the area, it’s worth checking out the many things to do in Jersey City.
Waterfront dining, museum hopping, and a surprising amount of local history—there’s more here than you might expect. First-time visitors usually search for where to stay in Jersey City and end up discovering a cool mix of culture, history, and convenience.
Getting to Jersey City isn’t complicated. PATH trains, ferries, and major highways all connect the city to New York City and the surrounding region.
NJCU really benefits from this accessibility, and it helps draw in talent from all over. That’s probably one of the city’s biggest strengths, honestly.
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