NJ colleges got $400M more in state funding this week. Here's where they plan to spend it
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
New Jersey announced almost $400 million for upgrades at colleges around the state this week, including big-ticket grants for a science building and labs at Montclair State, an engineering and biomedical research tower at Rowan University and an expansion of William Paterson University's recreation center.
In total, 31 public and private schools were awarded $395 million borrowed though state bond issues for projects that "will help enhance the postsecondary experience" for current and future students, the state Office of the Secretary of Higher Education announced in a news release.
The 54 projects set to get funding range from repairs of outdated technology and architecture to new construction of state-of-the-art facilities.
"New Jersey remains committed to investing in our students, so that more bright young people are motivated to pursue a higher education right here in our state," Gov. Phil Murphy said in the statement, released Monday.
Montclair State, Rowan among biggest recipients
Montclair State was awarded the most money for a single project, receiving $60 million to construct a 127,000-square-foot STEM building and renovate an existing structure. An additional $9.2 million will pay for technology and wireless upgrades at the school's Montclair and Bloomfield College campuses.
Rowan University received more than $70 million in total, led by a $50 million grant to build learning spaces and offices for its nursing, engineering and biomedical sciences programs.
$12.5M for Morris, Sussex community colleges
At the community college level, County College of Morris in Randolph received $11.4 million to construct a new home for its Health Professions and Natural Sciences program. In Newton, Sussex County Community College was awarded more than $1 million to improve technology on campus, which will include installing interactive whiteboards in classrooms and modernizing the library into a multi-use learning space, according to a state summary of the grants.
"Having modern technology throughout the campus is critical to the College's mission so we can provide a 21st-century education for our students," SCCC President Jon Connolly said in a statement. Through the state program, "the college will be able to enhance innovation, improve interactivity in the classroom environment, and prepare students for entering the competitive workforce."
State bond programs to provide money
The grants were provided through four state bond programs: the Higher Education Capital Improvement Fund, the Higher Education Facilities Trust Fund, the Higher Education Equipment Leasing Fund and the Higher Education Technology Infrastructure Fund.
Since 1994, the programs have invested about $1.7 billion in New Jersey colleges, said Sheryl Stitt, executive director of the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority.
"We want to make sure our educational institutions remain competitive in order to keep our talented New Jersey students close to home, as well as attract out-of-state students," said state Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. "Increased investment in education leads to greater economic growth, which will benefit all residents."
Court controversy: Affirmative action ruling won't deter Rutgers, Princeton diversity pushes, officials say
More: Student builders give new life to 1850s Newton mansion once on the verge of demolition
Other award winners
William Paterson in Wayne received three grants, including $40 million to renovate and expand its recreation center. The project will add a training room, sports therapy and a rehabilitation instruction lab to existing space and a two-story addition to house a swimming pool, a locker room and instructional space.
Ramapo College in Mahwah was awarded $31 million to renovate a 30-year-old residence hall, relocating administrative services and turning 26,000 square feet of the building into academic space.
Stockton University's two awards, totaling $21.3 million, will fund upgrades to the library, turning it into a flexible space that emphasizes collaborative learning, the Galloway Township school said.
Kean University's Union campus received two grants totaling $16.4 million for a 50,000-square-foot Experiential Learning Center. The center will include an area for entrepreneurs, an artificial intelligence/robotics maker space and a remote teaching and learning lab.
Fairleigh Dickinson received three separate grants totaling more than $13 million to turn its library into a digital learning space and upgrade the IT network on its campuses in Madison and Teaneck.
"We appreciate the support from the state, as investing in our libraries and technology infrastructure will have significant benefits for our students and campus communities by enhancing the security of and access to digital resources and promoting lifelong learning,” said Robert Pignatello, a senior vice president at FDU.
A full list of award recipients, along with the total funding amount and a synopsis of each project, is available on the state Office of the Secretary of Higher Education website.
"By funding capital improvement projects that both revitalize and expand campus offerings, we not only affirm our commitment to high-quality postsecondary education but demonstrate a commitment to growing talent across the Garden State," Murphy said in Monday's announcement.
Staff Writer Grace Reed contributed to this article.
Kyle Morel is a local reporter covering Morris and Sussex counties.
Email: kmorel@njherald.com; Twitter: @KMorelNJH
This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: NJ colleges receive $400 million for campus updates, improvements
