College of New Jersey

College of New Jersey. Founded in 1855, it is a premier public institution located in Ewing Township, New Jersey. Originally established as the New Jersey State Normal School, it has evolved through several name changes, including Trenton State College, before assuming its current name in 1996. The college is widely recognized for its rigorous undergraduate programs and picturesque campus.

History

The institution was chartered in 1855 as the New Jersey State Normal School, the first in the state dedicated to training teachers. It was initially located in Trenton, New Jersey, and its founding was influenced by the educational reforms of Horace Mann. In 1908, it moved to its present location in Ewing and was renamed the New Jersey State Teachers College at Trenton. Following a period of significant expansion in academic offerings beyond education, it became Trenton State College in 1958 under the leadership of President Harold W. Eickhoff. The modern era began in 1996 when the New Jersey Legislature approved its current name to reflect its comprehensive, national stature, a change championed by Governor Christine Todd Whitman.

Academics

The college is organized into seven schools: the School of Arts and Communication, the School of Business, the School of Education, the School of Engineering, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science, and the School of Science. It is highly ranked by publications like U.S. News & World Report for its undergraduate teaching and engineering programs. The college operates on a 4-1-4 academic calendar and offers numerous opportunities for undergraduate research, study abroad through partnerships with institutions like the University of Oxford, and professional development. Its curriculum emphasizes a strong liberal arts foundation across all disciplines.

Campus

The 289-acre campus is situated in a suburban setting within Ewing. Its architectural style is predominantly Colonial Revival, with notable buildings including Green Hall, the oldest building, and the modern Library of the College of New Jersey. The campus features a large wooded lake, extensive walking paths, and contemporary facilities such as the School of Engineering building and the Tribe Performing Arts Center. It is also home to the Art Gallery of the College of New Jersey, which hosts exhibitions from artists like Andy Warhol and Ansel Adams.

Student life

Student life is governed by the Student Government Association and includes over 200 student-run organizations. A significant portion of students live on campus in residence halls such as Travers Hall and Wolfe Hall. Major annual events include Homecoming, Family Weekend, and the Trenton Film Festival. The college has a strong tradition of community service, with many students participating in programs through the Bonner Center for Civic and Community Engagement. Greek life is present with chapters from national organizations like Alpha Phi Omega and Delta Phi Epsilon.

Athletics

The college's athletic teams, known as the Lions, compete in the NCAA Division III as members of the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). They field 21 varsity teams, with notable success in sports like wrestling, soccer, and lacrosse. The Lions play their home games at the Lions Stadium complex and Packer Hall. The rivalry with Rowan University is particularly intense in football. The college's mascot, Roscoe the Lion, is a fixture at games, and the athletic program emphasizes the student-athlete model.

Notable alumni

Alumni have achieved prominence in diverse fields. In politics and public service, notable figures include former New Jersey Governor James Florio and United States Congressman Christopher H. Smith. In entertainment and the arts, alumni include Academy Award-winning film editor Thelma Schoonmaker, actress Lauren Weedman, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Matt R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R.