NJCU Joins New Athletic Conference, State Preserves College Funding, Centenary Wins Flu Challenge & More Campus News

Good afternoon, Jersey College community! It's Monday, July 14, 2025, and welcome to another episode of our campus news podcast. Let's dive into the latest happenings around our university and the broader New Jersey academic scene. New Jersey City University (NJCU) has announced a significant shift in its athletic affiliations. After 67 years with the New Jersey Athletic Conference, NJCU will join a newly formed conference alongside eight City University of New York Athletic Conference institutions. This move aims to enhance opportunities for student-athletes and expand NJCU's presence into the New York City market. The transition begins in Fall 2026, with full membership anticipated by July 2027. In a positive development for higher education, New Jersey state lawmakers have reversed a proposed 12% budget cut to the state's community colleges. This decision preserves $20 million in funding, ensuring that institutions can continue offering essential services without scaling back. Community college leaders expressed relief, emphasizing the importance of sustained investment in education. Centenary University has clinched first place in the small college division of the New Jersey College & University Flu Challenge for the 2024–2025 academic year. This initiative, sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Health, aims to raise awareness about flu vaccinations among students. Centenary's achievement highlights the university's commitment to student health and wellness. Looking ahead, the New Jersey Business Action Center, in partnership with the Middlesex County Office of Business Engagement, is hosting the "Resources for Growth" event on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Middlesex College's main campus in Edison, this event aims to connect small business owners and entrepreneurs with state agencies and organizations offering financing, incentives, and technical assistance. It's a valuable opportunity for those looking to expand their business horizons. That's all for today's episode. Stay tuned for more updates, and remember to stay engaged with our vibrant campus community. Until next time, take care!