Mercer Times

The College of New Jersey held a ceremony today to officially install Michael A. Bernstein as its 17th president. The event took place in Kendall Hall, with several dignitaries and guests in attendance.

Rebecca Ostrov, chair of TCNJ’s Board of Trustees, welcomed Bernstein by stating, “On behalf of the trustees, I welcome you as the 17th president of The College of New Jersey. I assure you of our confidence in you and pledge our support to you as you strive to continue the greatness that is this college’s destiny.”

In his address, Bernstein emphasized the importance of the institution over individual leadership. He stated, “The College of New Jersey has been blessed with a long line of extremely capable leaders...our celebration this afternoon is about much more than an office or an individual; it’s about the institution.” He also paid tribute to his predecessors Harold Eickhoff, R. Barbara Gitenstein, and Kathryn A. Foster for their contributions to the college.

Special guests at the ceremony included Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson from the 15th District and Ewing Mayor Bert Steinmann. Reynolds-Jackson remarked on the impact of higher education: “Institutions like TCNJ are the birthplace of leaders...Let’s lean into President Bernstein’s vision.”

Representatives from various constituencies within TCNJ also extended their greetings. Jared Williams, TCNJ Student Government President, expressed confidence in Bernstein's leadership: “Since our very first meeting, I knew President Bernstein was the visionary leader who could guide TCNJ to a brighter and better future.”

Samuel L. Stanley, president emeritus of Michigan State University and former colleague at Stony Brook University, praised Bernstein's qualities: “With your collaborative leadership...I have no doubt that TCNJ will continue to excel as a beacon of academic distinction and civic engagement.”

To commemorate his inauguration, the Alumni Association donated a presidential medallion and established a scholarship fund named after Bernstein and Patricia Harp.

In addition to formal proceedings, video messages were delivered by Yankees broadcaster John Flaherty and manager Aaron Boone. They congratulated Bernstein on his new role and invited attendees to enjoy a baseball-themed reception.

The event featured performances by Sarah Granholm and Ilana Pazzani accompanied by the TCNJ Wind Ensemble. The day concluded with celebrations at Brower Student Center.

Bernstein began his tenure as president on June 6, 2024.