Senate Higher Education Committee to Hear Testimony on Nursing Workforce and University Partnership

TRENTON – The Senate Higher Education Committee will receive testimony from guests on the education of the nursing workforce in New Jersey and on the health care education partnership between Rowan University and Fairleigh Dickinson University, according to Senator Joe Cryan, the committee’s chair.

“At a time when the Trump Administration is undermining support for nurses, we want to find ways here in New Jersey to help new generations of nurses get the education and training they need to pursue their professions as valued caregivers,” said Senator Cryan. “The collaboration between Rowan and FDU may be a model that can be used to bridge regional strengths and expand the nursing workforce so that we can address the shortage of nurses. We value nurses and the care they provide for those in need.”

The committee will meet on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM in Committee Room 1, 1st Floor, State House Annex, Trenton, New Jersey.

The hearing will be available via the OLS website.

The following speakers will give testimony:

● Dr. Daria Waszak, Executive Director, New Jersey Collaborating Center

● Kathleen Burke, PhD, RN, Assistant Dean and Professor, Ramapo College of Nursing, representing the Organization of Colleges of Nursing

● Dr. Rich Jermyn, DO, Vice Chancellor, Virtua Health College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Rowan University

● Dr. Michael Avaltroni, President, Fairleigh Dickinson University