Rutgers Response to the Proposed Merger of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School into Rutgers University

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – Leaders at Rutgers University today praised the report of the UMDNJ Advisory Committee calling for incorporating the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, as well as the Cancer Institute of New Jersey and the School of Public Health, into the state’s flagship university.

“The findings of the committee echo the recommendations of former Gov. Tom Kean and that of medical professionals and educators throughout the state who have recognized the enormous potential that returning the medical school to Rutgers will have on the quality of medical education in New Jersey, on the health and welfare of all New Jerseyans and on Rutgers as it furthers its position as one of America’s leading research universities,” said Ralph Izzo, chairman of the Rutgers Board of Governors.

“Gov. Christie and Gov. Kean have made it clear that our great state needs a great university. This merger, along with hard work and a clear focus, will help propel Rutgers into the very top tier of global research universities,” Izzo said.

“By any measure, the merger is right for New Jersey,” said Rutgers President Richard L. McCormick.

“Such a merger will help cement the state’s leadership position in pharmaceuticals and the biomedical sciences by maximizing resources to support the industries that have been and will be at the heart of New Jersey’s economic prowess,” McCormick said.

“With this reorganization, New Jersey can increase its success in securing federal research dollars, re-engage the state’s core industries with its research university spurring local investment, retain more health care dollars within the state and greatly improve health care for its citizens” he added.

“It will increase access to clinical trials and other cutting-edge medical treatments for New Jersey residents, will enhance the quality of science education for all Rutgers undergraduate and graduate students, and will eliminate many of the current impediments to maximizing collaboration between and among researchers and industry,” McCormick said.

“Accomplishing the merger will be a challenging task.  It will require the active involvement of Rutgers’ governing boards and the leadership of state policymakers.  Clearly, the Board of Trustees is anxious to begin the process,” said Ken Schmidt, chairman of the Rutgers Board of Trustees.

Media Contact: Greg Trevor
732-932-7084, ext. 623
E-mail: gtrevor@ur.rutgers.edu