June 16, 2025
How a $22M Deficit Transformed into a Mission-Driven Renaissance at NJCU - with Andrés Acebo, President, New Jersey City University
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
Click here to support Elvin & Joe!
In this episode, President Series #374, (Powered By Ellucian ), & brought to YOU by HigherEd PodCon
YOUR guest is Andrés Acebo, President, New Jersey City University
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
- How did NJCU overcome a projected $22 million operating deficit?
- What strategic steps led to the first balanced budget in seven years?
- How is the university preparing for a strategic merger with Kean University?
- What does it mean to lead a university in your home community as a first-gen graduate?
- How can regional public universities honor their mission while embracing transformation?
Topics include:
- Achieving financial stability through difficult but necessary decisions
- Transforming a fiscal emergency into institutional renaissance
- Preserving the mission of serving first-generation, underrepresented students
- Streamlining academic portfolio to focus on high-demand programs
- Securing over $24 million in state stabilization funding
- Cultivating a "culture of possibility" where students are empowered
- Creating a sustainable future through strategic merger initiative
- Overhauling transfer pathways to become the most transfer-friendly university in New Jersey
For #EdUp subscribers only via the extended conversation:
- Finding strength in community during crisis leadership
- Processing the emotional weight of leading institutional change
- Responding to critics while staying mission-focused
- Bringing a generational perspective to higher education leadership
- Building confidence in an institution's resilience despite challenges
Listen in to #EdUp
Thank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!
Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio
● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience !
We make education YOUR business!
P.S. If YOU like what YOU hear, feel free to support our efforts to keep us going!