ICUNJ Presidents’ Retreat Provided New Jersey University Presidents and Corporate Executives with Unique and Timely Insights on the Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Government Policy on Higher Education and the New Jersey Economy
On June 10, 2025, ICUNJ hosted its Annual Retreat addressing the increasingly important topic of Artificial Intelligence from the campus of Drew University. Over 30 people were in attendance at this gathering of university presidents, campus leadership and members of the ICUNJ Corporate Advisory Board to participate in three distinct sessions addressing AI topics that are critical to both higher education and corporations in our state.
The first panel addressed two important state-supported initiatives relating to AI – – with ICUNJ Board member and Princeton University’s Vice President and Secretary, Hilary Parker, discussing the NJ AI Hub project recently announced in West Windsor and Doug Moore, Nokia Bell Labs Operations Leader, who addressed the NJ AI Helix project in New Brunswick.
The second AI related panel was entitled “What University Presidents Need to Know About AI” and focused on the numerous opportunities and challenges relating to the evolving impact that AI will have on what and how students are taught and why college administrators and faculty will need to adapt to the continuously evolving access to and use of AI resources. The panel included Dave Cole, New Jersey’s Chief Innovation Officer; Christopher Markham, EVP of Operations & Chief Economic Development Officer at Edge; and Jennifer Fischer, Chief AI Officer and Director, Institute for Innovation and Emerging Technologies at Caldwell University.
After a brief break following an engaging AI discussion among the university and corporate attendees and panelists, the program turned to the profound impact that policy developments in Trenton and Washington will have on higher education in New Jersey and the nation. Micah Rasmussan, Director of the Rebovitch Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, began the discussion and addressed the state gubernatorial race and possible outcomes in the state primary, held that day. Dr. Rasmussen was followed by Tim Powers, VP for Government Relations and Policy Development at the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, who addressed the actions of the Trump Administration relating to higher education and what universities need to prepare for as a result.
The day was filled with unique and timely insights into issues that impact not just our students and schools but all of New Jersey and the nation. Attendees took the opportunity to engage with these seven experts in AI and government policy during the Q&A portion of the day.
