Day 1 | March 31, 2026

1:00 p.m. — 1:45 p.m.

Location: General Session, Avalon Ballroom

As New Jersey’s higher education landscape evolves, leaders from public and private colleges, community colleges, and trade schools will explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector in 2026. Panelists will address declining enrollments, funding constraints, and increasing pressure to align academic programs with the rapidly changing needs of today’s employers. The discussion will highlight innovative strategies for workforce development, partnerships with industry, and new models for student access and success. Attendees will gain insight into how institutions across the state are adapting to prepare graduates for meaningful careers while sustaining institutional viability.

MODERATOR

• Aaron Fichtner, President, New Jersey Council of County Colleges

PANELISTS

• Joe Bertolino, President, Stockton University
• Ali Houshmand, President, Rowan University
• Jonathan Koppell, President, Montclair State University
• Teik Lim, President, New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Michael Zwick, SVP for Research, Rutgers University