Caldwell College Becoming Caldwell University

Caldwell, N.J., December 11, 2013 – Caldwell College is becoming Caldwell University. Caldwell President Nancy Blattner, Ph.D. received official notification from the Secretary of Higher Education in the State of New Jersey on Dec. 9 that the college’s petition to change its official name to Caldwell University had been approved. The public announcement from the Office of Higher Education is expected to occur in January.

“As the culmination of almost a two-year process, changing our designation and name from Caldwell College to Caldwell University is the fulfillment of a vision that many on the campus have shared for the past few years. Our new name signals the academic excellence for which Caldwell has become recognized. This new designation will be officially celebrated in 2014 during the institution’s 75th anniversary,” said Dr. Blattner.

Marilyn Bastardi, president of the college’s board of trustees, was thrilled with the announcement. “This is a proud moment for all of us who know and love Caldwell. This designation supports the tremendous growth we have seen over the last several years under Dr. Blattner’s leadership.”

Becoming a university was part of President Blattner’s vision from the moment she arrived at Caldwell in 2009.

The university designation will better reflect what Caldwell has become with its doctoral program in applied behavior analysis, its strong master’s programs in multiple disciplines and its growth and diversity. Vice President for Enrollment and Communications Joseph Posillico said that “there are many benefits to becoming a university including increased opportunities for fundraising, greater ability to recruit and retain faculty and more leverage in recruiting students. The designation of ‘university’ will more accurately describe the breadth and depth of Caldwell to the public and in particular to international students.”

The news gave students a high note on which to end their fall semester.

“The shift to university status will give Caldwell College the recognition it deserves,” said David Reeth, a senior and president of the Student Government Association.

“It’s really exciting that Caldwell is becoming a university and that I get to be a part of it,” said freshman Sean Puzzo.

Caldwell will continue to operate as a college until the end of the academic year, June 30, 2014 and will operate as a university effective July 1, 2014. At that time a new Caldwell University brand will be unveiled.