Caldwell University Forging New Partnerships With NJ Businesses

CALDWELL, NJ — Caldwell University is forging new partnerships with local businesses, and the effort is already paying off, school administrators say.

Last week, the Fairfield-based Kearny Bank announced a new partnership with Caldwell University.

Under the partnership, Kearny Bank employees and family members receive a 25 percent discount when taking Caldwell University classes online. The program covers bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees.

The discount is a big help to employees such as Patricia Albert, a human resources administrator at Kearny Bank who recently completed her masters degree over the internet.

“I joined Kearny Bank in 2005 as a teller, and by 2015, I decided I wanted to continue my education,” said Albert, who lives in Wood-Ridge. “I missed going to school, and felt ready for a new challenge. The bank had a program in place then that would give me a 20 percent tuition discount, plus a $5,000 annual reimbursement for education costs – so I decided to go for it and complete my master’s degree online.”

Ultimately, the entire process took Albert about a year.

“I earned my degree in Human Resource Management, which is a perfect complement to my psychology bachelors,” Albert said. “Within a few months, I began working in our corporate human resources department, and I love what I’m doing.”

As was the case in 2015, when Albert began pursuing her masters degree, Kearny Bank will reimburse any employee up to $5,000 per year for costs associated with furthering their education.

“We’re committed to providing all Kearny Bank employees an opportunity to enhance their careers through acquisition of knowledge,” said Kimberly Manfredo, Kearny Bank’s senior VP/director of human resources. “That’s what inspired our collaboration with Caldwell University. For employees wishing to continue their educations, this partnership is a chance to achieve something that may previously have seemed beyond reach.”

The partnership works both ways. Under the deal, qualifying Caldwell University students are eligible for internships based at Kearny Bank’s corporate office in Fairfield.

“We are delighted that forward-thinking businesses like Kearny Bank have an appreciation for investing in continuing education and training,” Caldwell University President Nancy Blattner said. “We welcome the new students to our Caldwell University family.”

MORE CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Kearny Bank isn’t the only business that’s taken up Caldwell University’s offer of a partnership.

Recently, the university launched a “Corporate Partnership Program” under the same terms of its deal with Kearny Bank. It’s open to organizations with 250 employees or more.

Caldwell University has already formed partnerships with companies such as Avis Budget Group, Atlantic Health System, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, JAG-One, Tilcon New York and Wakefern Food Corporation Inc. and co-op members.

“We look forward to expanding the program with other businesses,” Blattner said.

ACBSP ACCREDITATION

Last week, Caldwell University announced that the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) has reaccredited its business programs.

Based on the Baldridge Education Criteria for Performance Excellence, ACBSP accreditation evaluates aspects of leadership, strategic planning, relationships with stakeholders, quality of academic programs, faculty credentials, and educational support to determine whether the business programs offer a rigorous educational experience and demonstrate continuous quality improvement.

The school was originally accredited in 2008.

“This is great news for the School of Business and Computer Science,” said associate dean Virginia Rich. “Our student population has grown overall and our new programs in healthcare administration, sport management, and esports management now are under the umbrella of accreditation and subject to the ACBSP’s rigorous standards.”

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