Community college students in Cumberland and Gloucester counties could have the opportunity to attend Rowan College of South Jersey in a potential merger, the Press of Atlantic City reported Thursday.
The announcement was made at a news conference by officials from Cumberland County College and Rowan College at Gloucester County, the Press of Atlantic City said. The two schools signed an agreement that has started the merging process.
“I am really pleased to see this merger move forward to the next step in the approval process, particularly because of the impact it can have on the region” Ali Houshmand, president of Rowan University, told ROI-NJ. “I wish them a successful partnership and offer our full support in helping them provide their county’s residents access to affordable, high-quality academic programs.”
“Mergers are challenging, but the stakes are very high for both counties and these institutions. I am confident, however, they have the leadership and talent to make the merger a great success.”
According to the Press of Atlantic City, the agreement has pushed ahead the Middle States Commission approval process. If approved, the merger will result in a single board of trustees, one president and the campuses remaining where they are.
CCC replied to ROI-NJ through email that it did not have any details on the merger.