New Jersey’s Middlesex College to be transformed into leading destination

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As part of Middlesex County’s Destination 2040 Strategic Plan, the County, in partnership with the State of New Jersey, announced plans to transform Middlesex College into a state-of-the art destination, as part of its Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan.

The Indian-American and other South Asian origin communities, which form a significant part of the population of Middlesex County, are excited not just by the prospect of a an advanced institution in their midst, but also that a cricket pitch is part of the plan.

The plan is designed to transform and bolster Middlesex College and the Magnet School System, as well as meet the diverse needs of the entire community, top County officials announced Nov. 1, 2022, in a press conference held at the Middlesex College.

“Middlesex County has long epitomized the best our state has to offer: economic opportunity, family-oriented communities, and schools that prepare our children to reach their full potential not just as students, but as community members and future leaders,” New Jersey Governor Phil D. Murphy, is quoted saying in the press release, adding, “The Community, Innovation, and Opportunity Strategic Investment Plan announced today will further promote educational opportunities, community engagement, and the arts among Middlesex College students and residents of all ages. Together, these improvements will further solidify Middlesex College as a crucial anchor in a community that will continue to grow and flourish for generations to come.”

“We are moving Edison forward with the help of our County and State partnerships. Our Township is so thankful to the Governor’s Office and Middlesex County for investing in the future of our community,” said Edison Mayor Sam Joshi. “The cricket pitch, in particular, is an extraordinary development for Edison residents, who have been hoping for an official place to play cricket for decades.”

Highlights of the Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan include:

• an open-air Multipurpose Community Venue for concerts, cultural events, and multiple sports such as baseball, soccer, or lacrosse
• a Workforce Development & Conference Center
• a new Community Park featuring an educational children’s amenity
• a new Student Center which will include campus and community amenities
• a new Middlesex County Magnet School, the Middlesex County Magnet School of the Future
• a Destination Athletic Complex featuring 14 multi-sport synthetic fields;16 tennis courts and a state-of-the-art recreational cricket field; and much more
• an expansion of the existing exterior spaces, activating these areas by adding public art, seating, and water features

Those present at the press conference were Governor Murphy; Edison Mayor Joshi; New Jersey General Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin; Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios; Middlesex College President Mark McCormick; Superintendent of Schools Jorge E. Diaz; Middlesex County Administrator John A. Pulomena; and Middlesex College Alumni Trustee Anvay Patel.

Commissioner Rios said, “From cultural to world-class recreational opportunities, from athletic to scholastic, this plan will improve the lives of so many in our community,” adding, “This project is an unprecedented opportunity not only to cement Middlesex College’s place as one of the best two-year colleges in America by not only expanding the educational offerings of both the College and the Magnet School System, but to turn the campus into a multi-faceted destination for the community here in Middlesex County and this entire region. The Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan will drastically transform the outdoor activities available to families and individuals across both Middlesex County and the State of New Jersey.”

“As a Trustee, I am excited by the bold new directions with which Dr. McCormick and the Board are leading our college and grateful to the Governor, State Legislature, and the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners for their tremendous support of Middlesex College and the students we serve,” said Middlesex College Alumni Trustee Anvay Patel. “I am honored to be present on such an auspicious occasion. And I would like to especially take the opportunity to express gratitude on behalf of college community to everyone for their vision and commitment for the new student center.”

Middlesex County has one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 860,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities.