The proposed mergers in New Jersey have garnered a significant amount of press lately, and with only a fair amount of controversy. The merger discussion now centers around a combination of the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the School of Public Health from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) with Rutgers University. Conversations that formerly involved merging Thomas Edison State College into Rutgers seem to no longer be at the forefront of discussions.

The prospects for this merger coming to fruition seem to be average to decent, with the positives in the potential synergies and prestige that may come from adding the medical school into Rutgers. Of concern is what would remain of UMDNJ. Additionally, it is troublesome that this merger is coming at the suggestion of politicians. The Rutgers president buys into the proposal, though the UMDNJ leadership has not been as positive about the discussions. The most effective mergers occur with buy-in of all parties, and the impetus to merge coming from within.

Recent articles on the subject are listed below:

Christie urged to help make Rutgers-UMDNJ merger a reality

Drew VP participates in forum for Rutgers, UMDNJ

McCormick backs potential union between UMDNJ, U.

UMDNJ merger may bring benefits

UMDNJ officials torn over possible dismantling, merger with Rutgers

Merger plan makes sense