Fairleigh Dickinson University President Michael Avaltroni recently testified before the New Jersey Senate Higher Education Committee on the role of independent colleges and universities and the importance of continued state investment in higher education.
Avaltroni testified on behalf of FDU and the Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey during an October 5 committee hearing focused on higher education funding across the state.
The Role of Independent Higher Education
During his testimony, Avaltroni discussed the role independent institutions play within New Jersey’s broader higher education system and the students and communities they serve.
The Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey represents 13 nonprofit colleges and universities across the state. Together, those institutions serve more than 63,000 students and provide a range of educational, research, and workforce-development opportunities.
For institutions such as FDU, decisions about state support are closely connected to questions of college affordability, student access, financial aid, institutional investment, and the ability to continue offering programs that meet New Jersey’s educational and workforce needs.
Maintaining pathways to higher education for students from different backgrounds and financial circumstances.
Limiting the financial barriers facing New Jersey students and families pursuing a college degree.
Supporting institutions and students as colleges respond to changing financial and workforce demands.
A Statewide Conversation on Higher Education Funding
The Senate Higher Education Committee convened the October 5 hearing specifically to receive testimony from invited guests on higher education funding in New Jersey.
The discussion comes as policymakers and higher education leaders continue examining how New Jersey supports public, community, and independent institutions while addressing affordability, student financial needs, institutional stability, and the state’s long-term workforce demands.
Independent institutions are an important part of that discussion. Their students participate in state financial aid programs, and the institutions themselves operate within a broader funding environment shaped by state appropriations and higher education policy.
Bringing the Independent College Perspective to Trenton
GTB Partners was pleased to support FDU as President Avaltroni brought the perspective of independent higher education directly before the committee.
We thank Chairman Cryan and the members of the Senate Higher Education Committee for the opportunity to hear from FDU and other higher education stakeholders on the issues affecting New Jersey’s colleges, students, and families.
View the October 5 Senate Higher Education Committee hearing.
View GTB Partners’ original update on LinkedIn.
