On October 15, 2024, the Sweeney Center for Public Policy at Rowan University organized a conference titled “Restructuring Higher Education in New Jersey: Thirty Years of Change, Future Challenges.” This conference included presentations from over a dozen speakers, comprising government representatives and leaders from higher education institutions.
Discussion on Legislative Changes
During the conference, Brian Bridges, New Jersey’s Secretary of Higher Education, discussed the lasting effects of the 1994 legislative changes that redefined the state’s higher education framework. The enactment of the Higher Education Restructuring Act transitioned authority from the Chancellor and Department of Higher Education to a Council of College Presidents and a Secretary of Higher Education. Conference panelists evaluated the implications of this restructuring and explored potential future organizational models aimed at enhancing support for New Jersey colleges.
The Impact of Restructuring
Bridges pointed out that the previous governance structure limited innovation within institutions. He stated that the restructuring has facilitated greater entrepreneurial opportunities for institutional leaders. George Pruitt, former president of Thomas Edison State University, noted that Rowan University’s considerable growth would not have been achievable under the prior system, emphasizing that it is now recognized as the third fastest-growing public research university in the United States.
Challenges of Decentralization
Despite these advancements, Bridges cautioned that the decentralization of power presents challenges for long-term planning, contributing to insufficient state support for higher education in New Jersey. Current data indicates that New Jersey is the only state in the nation that does not provide capital funding for its higher education institutions.
Current Issues in Higher Education
The conference also highlighted various challenges currently confronting higher education, including declining enrollment and increased competition for traditional students. Senator Joseph Cryan of New Jersey, who chairs the Senate Higher Education Committee, described this period as transformational and stressed the need for a cohesive strategic plan for the future of higher education over the next thirty years.
Student Exodus Concerns
Concerns regarding the exodus of New Jersey students to out-of-state colleges were also addressed, with Jennifer Keyes-Maloney from the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities noting that this trend results in substantial financial and cultural losses for the state.
Advocacy for Integrated Educational Pathways
Frederick Keating, president of Rowan College of South Jersey, advocated for integrated educational pathways that would link high schools, community colleges, and four-year institutions to create a more interconnected system.
The Need for Innovation and Accountability
Bridges further emphasized the importance of developing a structural model that promotes innovation while maintaining accountability regarding state funding. Discussions included a range of strategies, from enhanced collaboration between educational institutions to the establishment of a unified educational system encompassing all levels from kindergarten through college.
Call for Reassessment
Panelists unanimously acknowledged the urgency of reassessing the current framework of New Jersey’s higher education ecosystem. Rowan University President Ali Houshmand stated that the existing model is no longer viable. Michael Avaltroni, president of Fairleigh Dickinson University, reinforced this viewpoint, recognizing that the prevailing business model of higher education is fundamentally flawed.
The Role of Higher Education in Communities
Bridges characterized higher education as a public good that enhances individual lives while being essential for the economic and social well-being of communities across New Jersey. He reiterated the significance of effective governance in higher education as critical to the state’s future health.
(Source: Rowan University News, October 2024)