Andrés Acebo Appointed Permanent President of NJCU

# Andrés Acebo Appointed as 13th President of New Jersey City University

Andrés Acebo is now officially the 13th president of New Jersey City University (NJCU), following a unanimous board decision on July 23, 2025. This marks a pretty big moment for higher education in Jersey City.

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Before this, Acebo spent 18 months as interim president. He jumped in during a tough financial stretch for the university and managed to guide the school through it, all while pushing for growth and improvements.

His leadership didn’t just steady the ship—it’s actually set NJCU up for a much brighter future as a key educational anchor in Hudson County.

Turning Around NJCU’s Financial Challenges

When Acebo took over as interim president in January 2023, NJCU was in real trouble. Debt was piling up, and the financial outlook looked shaky at best.

With Acebo at the helm, the university started to find its footing again. The progress on finances has been, frankly, impressive.

Financial Milestones and Credit Improvements

Acebo and his team cut the university’s debt by tens of millions of dollars. That’s no small feat for long-term stability.

Financial experts took notice. Between 2024 and 2025, NJCU’s credit ratings improved several times. In May 2025, Moody’s even upgraded the university’s outlook to positive—the first time that’s ever happened at NJCU.

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Academic Innovations and Student Success

But Acebo didn’t just focus on the books. He rolled out big academic changes aimed at making life better for students and boosting results.

Already, those changes are showing up in enrollment and graduation numbers. It’s not just about money—it’s about students actually succeeding.

Enrollment Growth and Student-Centered Reforms

Under Acebo, NJCU has seen three straight semesters of double-digit growth in transfer student admissions. That’s not something you see every day.

His administration brought in student-friendly policies like expanded general education credits and fixed class schedules. They’re even rolling textbook costs into tuition starting Fall 2024, which should make life a bit easier for students.

Graduation numbers are up, too. In Spring 2024, 1,667 students graduated—an 8.2% jump in bachelor’s degrees. In 2025, another 1,544 walked across the stage.

The university still ranks among the top in the state and nation for social mobility. They’re sticking to their mission of making education accessible for all kinds of communities.

Expanding Community Partnerships

Acebo’s also worked hard to strengthen NJCU’s ties in the region. These partnerships have real benefits for both the university and the wider community.

Hudson Connect and Regional Collaborations

The Hudson Connect Program stands out as a good example of NJCU’s regional commitment. The university’s also inked new agreements with local schools and civic groups, giving Jersey City residents more educational pathways.

These moves line up nicely with things to do in Jersey City for prospective students who want to explore what’s out there.

On top of that, NJCU announced a merger with Kean University to create Kean Jersey City. It’s a strategic step that’ll really change higher education options in the area.

The university also joined a new NCAA Division III athletic conference, opening up more opportunities for student-athletes. It’s an exciting time to be part of NJCU.

A Historic Leadership Appointment

Acebo’s appointment isn’t just another university headline—it carries some real historical weight:

He’s the youngest known leader of a New Jersey public university.

As a Union City native and the son of Cuban exiles, he stands for the diverse community the university serves.

He’s only the third Hispanic president of a four-year public college in New Jersey.

His formal investiture as president is set for Fall 2025. That event will probably bring a crowd to Jersey City hotels and spark interest in where to stay in Jersey City for guests coming to the ceremony.

If you’re thinking about getting to Jersey City and want to check out the university campus, NJCU sits in a spot that’s easy to reach. Public transportation links up the campus with different city districts, so getting around isn’t a hassle.

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Here is the source article for this story: NJCU Board Confirms Andrés Acebo as Permanent President