December 17, 2025

Ramapo College of New Jersey and Thomas Edison State University (TESU) are joining forces to make higher education more accessible, flexible, and closely aligned with New Jersey’s workforce needs.

The two institutions recently signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) that lays the groundwork for new academic pathways designed to serve learners at every stage of life — from traditional-age college students to working adults returning to complete a degree. The agreement was signed by Ramapo President Dr. Cindy R. Jebb and Thomas Edison President Dr. Merodie A. Hancock during a ceremony at the New Jersey State House on December 16, underscoring the statewide importance of the collaboration.

As members of the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities (NJASCU), Ramapo College and Thomas Edison share a long-standing commitment to advancing public higher education and workforce readiness across the state. At its core, the partnership brings together Ramapo’s strengths as a leading public liberal arts college known for experiential learning, close faculty-student engagement, and interdisciplinary education with TESU’s long-standing expertise in online, flexible learning for adult and non-traditional students. Together, the institutions aim to create clearer, more efficient pathways that help students move from education to meaningful careers — and help employers across the state find a well-prepared workforce.

“Public higher education works best when institutions collaborate in ways that put students first,” said Jebb. “This partnership allows us to build pathways that are inclusive, responsive, and aligned with the real needs of learners and New Jersey’s workforce.”

The agreement outlines shared principles that will guide the work ahead, including a commitment to academic quality, innovation, and student-centered design. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the collaboration focuses on flexibility — recognizing that today’s students often balance education with work, family, and other responsibilities.

Among the first areas being explored are streamlined master’s degree pathways that would allow students to move more seamlessly from undergraduate programs at one institution into graduate study at the other. The institutions are also examining opportunities to develop certificates, micro-certificates, and stackable credentials tied to emerging workforce trends, giving learners the ability to build skills quickly and advance in their careers.

Another key focus is degree-completion pathways, particularly for adult learners who have earned college credits but did not finish a degree. By incorporating prior learning assessment and coordinated advising, the institutions hope to remove barriers that often prevent students from completing their education.

Hancock emphasized the complementary nature of the partnership. “By combining Ramapo’s strengths in liberal arts education with TESU’s experience serving adult learners through flexible delivery, we can create programs that are both academically rigorous and immediately relevant to students and employers,” she said.

State leaders also view the collaboration as an important step in strengthening New Jersey’s talent pipeline. New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Brian Bridges is supportive of the collaborative initiative between Ramapo and Thomas Edison.

“This partnership exemplifies how collaboration across New Jersey higher education institutions is working to expand opportunities for all learners and drive innovation in our state,” said Bridges. “As institutions statewide continue to develop and deepen alignment, every New Jersey resident is being empowered to succeed.”

Ramapo College Trustee and NJASCU Liaison A.J. Sabath ’93 attended the Trenton event along with NJASCU Executive Director Jennifer Keyes-Maloney, who also served as emcee, and NJASCU Associate Director Morganne Dudzinski.

In the coming months, Ramapo and TESU will move quickly to assess and prioritize specific initiatives outlined in the agreement. Additional details about new programs and pathways will be announced as they are developed. For more information about undergraduate and graduate degree offerings, visit ramapo.edu/admissions.