The NJCU Board of Trustees recently announced that Andrés Acebo will officially serve as the university’s 13th president. This decision came during their meeting on July 23, where they voted unanimously to remove his interim title. Acebo has been leading NJCU since January 2023 during a crucial period for the university.
Coming from a background of Cuban exiles, he is not only the youngest president of a public university in New Jersey but also the third Hispanic to take on this role. His leadership has already brought significant results, particularly in improving the university’s finances and academic achievements. Luke Visconti, chair of the Board, praised Acebo’s exceptional guidance, noting that his influence has profoundly shaped the university’s future.
Under Acebo’s direction, NJCU has seen considerable changes. He managed to cut institutional debt by tens of millions of dollars, achieved three straight semesters of increased transfer enrollment, and garnered the first positive financial outlook for NJCU from Moody’s. This reflects a broader trend: Moody’s Ratings upgraded the university’s outlook from “negative” to “stable” in February 2024, and then to “positive” in May 2024—an unprecedented acknowledgment for NJCU.
In his address following the board’s announcement, Acebo thanked the NJCU community, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving meaningful progress. He recognized that success is rarely a solo endeavor and expressed his commitment to the university.
Academically, NJCU has also been making strides. It was ranked No. 1 in New Jersey and 10th nationally on CollegeNET’s 2023 Social Mobility Index, which focuses on colleges that assist disadvantaged students. The university graduated 1,667 students in Spring 2024, an 8.2% increase in bachelor’s degrees compared to the previous year.
Acebo has implemented significant initiatives during his short tenure, including the NJCU Recovery and Revitalization Plan and the university’s first Academic Master Plan. He has transformed the curriculum, allowing courses from various New Jersey community colleges to transfer for general education credits—even those usually ineligible.
In forging stronger community ties, he established partnerships with local institutions like Hudson County Community College and enhanced relations with Jersey City Public Schools. These efforts aim to deepen outreach and community engagement, creating a supportive network for students.
The campus plans to formally celebrate Acebo’s presidency with an investiture in Fall 2025, marking a new chapter for NJCU under his leadership.
