Stockton President Praises Task Force Findings

Gov. Chris Christie (R) signed two executive orders on Tuesday designed to implement the findings of his Higher Education Task Force, which he received on Tuesday.

Executive Order 51 calls for the creation of an advisory committee to develop specific recommendations for graduate medical education. Executive Order 52 calls for the creation of the Governor's Higher Education Council.

The report, delivered by a committee chaired by former Gov. Tom Kean, provides a critical review and assessment designed to improve infrastructure, increase accessibility and promote excellence in the state's institutions of higher learning.

"The report reinforces the importance of individual autonomy of the colleges and universities, and recognizes each institution's distinctiveness in structure, geography and mission," Richard Stockton College of New Jersey President Herman J. Saatkamp stated in a release issued by the college on Tuesday. "Gov. Christie, Gov. Kean and the committee of the Governor's Task Force on Higher Education are to be commended for a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to the challenges facing higher education in New Jersey.

"The task force report released today acknowledges and plans for much-needed changes following two decades of declines in state funding, increased demand for access and serious capacity issues. In doing so, it realistically incorporates the financial constraints our state is facing in the years ahead."

Saatkamp went on to praise the committee's recommendations to provide assistance to finance new and/or updated facilities; increase scholarship programs and promote access to all; eliminate tuition caps; continue autonomy of institutional governance and accountability through the board of trustees; and reduction in red tape and state mandates.

"Many of the recommendations contained in the report are consistent with those made by the Presidents' Council of the state's colleges and universities, as well as those of the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities," Saatkamp said. "The task force has mapped out a model approach for other states as our nation competes on a global basis in higher education."

Kean was joined on his task force by George Pruitt, president of Thomas Edison State College; John McGoldrick, chair of the board of trustees, Association of State Colleges and Universities; Peggi Howard, vice president of administration, Drew University; and Robert E. Campbell, former vice chair, Johnson & Johnson.

"I want to thank Gov. Kean and all the members of the task force for their hard work and insightful recommendations," Christie said in a statement. "In many ways, this report confirms what we all know: New Jersey's higher education system is in need of focused improvement if it is truly going to serve our students and prepare our state for the future. After 20 years of declining state funding and increasing tuition, it is time to put in place a short and long term strategy that recognizes our current fiscal challenges while taking achievable steps to strengthen higher education in New Jersey."