Each year Thomas Edison State University celebrates its ascension to University status on Dec 1, the date of our official name change from college to university in 2015.

In response to a university's charge to promote dialogue, open minds and encourage critical thinking, University Day provides us with an opportunity to take a deep dive into issues that affect the crossroads between society and higher education. This year we will discuss the need for informed civic engagement and how we might navigate an environment seemingly poised to create conflict and foster division.

This year Dr. Malcolm Oliver, dean of the John S. Watson School of Public Service, will moderate a conversation between Anthony "Skip" Cimino, former executive director, N.J. General Assembly, Kevin Drennan, former executive director, N.J. Senate, and Dr. Tara Kent, associate dean and director of Undergraduate Studies at TESU. The discussion will center on the need for public officials to work across the aisle to effectively solve problems, and the tools that are being used to train the next generation of public administrators.

This discussion will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 10 a.m. . We invite you to attend in person at TESU, or to join us virtually via Zoom. You can register here to attend in person or to join us virtually via Zoom.

We look forward to discussing the importance of civic participation and how we may find a way to work together to drive positive change.