Christie's Proposed College Merger Given Cold Reception

Governor wants to join Thomas Edison and Rutgers without increasing aid to schools

 

 

 

Star Ledger

Brian Whitley

March 22, 2010

 

Gov. Chris Christie's proposed budget calls for merging Thomas Edison State College in Trenton -- a mostly online school that caters to working adults -- with Rutgers University.

 

Fusing the institutions, according to the budget, would save on overhead costs.

 

More ambitiously, the governor's plan envisions Rutgers providing an economic jolt to the capital's downtown by offering classroom-based courses in the area, thereby attracting students, and taking over the state library and state museum.

 

While the proposal would eliminate state aid to Thomas Edison, which totaled $5.6 million this fiscal year, it does not provide additional funds to Rutgers

 

It also does not specify what form the merger might take or how it would affect students and staff.

 

George A. Pruitt, president of Thomas Edison, said the plan blindsided him when Christie's chief of staff presented it Tuesday morning.

 

"At so many levels, I don't understand it," he said.  "We will try to persuade the governor to change his mind.  We will try to persuade the Legislature not to implement it."

 

Online Institution

 

Pruitt argued a merger would achieve no cost savings.  He said Rutgers is unlikely to be more efficient than the distance-learning specialist, which educates 18,000 students while taking in just 18 percent of its revenue from state coffers.

 

Detailed research by the school indicates there is little demand for traditional colleges in downtown Trenton, Pruitt said.

 

He noted that institutions such as Rider University, the College of New Jersey and Mercer County College are nearby.

 

The merger received a slightly warmer reception from Rutgers President Richard L. McCormick, who described it as "potentially feasible."  Rutgers is aggressively adding online courses in many fields, looking to boost revenue as state support declines.

 

Its success hinges on reaching audiences such as working adults -- and the average Thomas Edison student is 40 years old.

 

But McCormick stressed the university has not analyzed the logistics of such a merger, including how to finance it, and that its governing boards would have to approve the plan.

 

Christie's office did not respond to requests for comment on details of the proposal.

 

Boosting Downtown

 

David Henderson, chairman of the Trenton Downtown Association's board of directors, said it's too early to evaluate the economic development potential of the plan.

 

He called Thomas Edison a "great player downtown."  The school works with local businesses on issues such as lighting and parking, and Henderson noted it has hosted events.

 

But Henderson said any measures that bring more students downtown are welcome.

 

"Students are great urban creatures because they partake of restaurants, arts, events, film.  They're out and about," he said.  "More life in downtown Trenton is always a plus."

 

Brian Whitley may be reached at (973) 392-7961 or bwhitley@starledger.com.