Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State College was approved by the New Jersey Board of Education in December 1971, and established on July 1, 1972. In 2015, the college was awarded university status.{{Cite web|title = Thomas Edison State 'University' announces status, name change|url = http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2016/01/thomas_edison_state_university_announces_name_chan.html|website = NJ.com|date = January 11, 2016|access-date = 2016-01-14}} The school is named in honor of Thomas Alva Edison, the inventor who lived in New Jersey for the bulk of his adult life and gained encyclopedic knowledge of many subject areas through self-directed learning.{{cite news

| last = Brozan

| first = Nadine

| title = Chronicle

| work = Style

| publisher = The New York Times

| url = https://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/23/style/chronicle-994592.html?scp=2&sq=%22Thomas%20Edison%20State%20College%22&st=cse

| access-date = May 11, 2009

| date=October 23, 1992}}

Thomas Edison State University moved into downtown Trenton in September 1979, at a time when other institutions were leaving cities. The 7-year-old university, which had spent three years at the Forrestal Center outside of Princeton, needed room for growth. At the same time, the state was looking for an appropriate tenant for the landmark Kelsey Building located adjacent to New Jersey's State House complex and the State House historic district, while the city sought to preserve the building's historic use as a school. Behind the Kelsey Building and the adjoining five restored mid-19th-century brick Townhouses is Petty's Run, which flows to the Delaware River. In the early 1730s, Petty's Run powered a plating mill, and by midcentury drove a steel furnace.[http://www.destinationtrenton.com/listings/BENJAMIN-YARD-IRON-WORKS-AND-PETTY-S-RUN/127/ "BENJAMIN YARD IRON WORKS AND PETTY’S RUN"] Destination Tenton. Retrieved 2014-1-13.

File:101-103 West State Street, Trenton, NJ - Kelsey Building.jpg

Built in 1911 by A. Henry Cooper Kelsey, the Kelsey Building is one of the architectural landmarks of the city.[http://trentonhistory.org/Kelsey.htm "The Kelsey Building, 1911"] Trenton Historical Society. Retrieved March 7, 2014. It housed three other schools before serving as the headquarters for Thomas Edison State University. The architecture of the Kelsey Building is modeled after a Florentine palace, the Palazzo Strozzi. The main structure was designed in 1910 by world-renowned architect Cass Gilbert (designer of New York City's Woolworth Building).[http://www.destinationtrenton.com/about-trenton/colleges/thomas-edison-state-college/ "Thomas Edison State College"] Destination Trenton. Retrieved 2014-1-13. In 2011, the Kelsey Building celebrated its 100th anniversary.[http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2011/06/edison_state_marks_buildings_c.html "Thomas Edison State University marks building's centennial with 'Cake Boss' replica"] NJ.com. Retrieved 2014-1-13.

The university's campus has grown over the years and currently includes the Kelsey Building, the Townhouse Complex, the Center for Learning and Technology, and Kuser Mansion, all on West State Street. The Academic Center and Canal Banks Building are located on West Hanover Street.

Thomas Edison State University has been active in restoring several historic buildings of downtown Trenton, preserving the essence of the city's past and stimulating economic development.[http://www.state.nj.us/highereducation/IP/IP2012/ThomasEdison/I.pdf "Thomas Edison State College"] NJ Higher Education. Retrieved March 6, 2014. In 2013, TESU announced the completion of a new nursing simulation lab (funded by Bristol Myers Squibb).[http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2013/08/thomas_edison_state_college_unveils_new_nursing_simulation_lab_in_trenton.html "Thomas Edison State College unveils new nursing simulation lab in Trenton"] NJ.com. Retrieved March 6, 2014. In 2016, the university celebrated the opening of the 34,360-square-foot Nursing Education Center at the site of the former Glen Cairn Arms apartment complex at West State and Calhoun streets.[http://www.trentonian.com/social-affairs/20160111/thomas-edison-becomes-trentons-first-university "Thomas Edison becomes Trenton’s first university"] Trentonian.com. Retrieved January 13, 2016.

File:Thomas Edison State University, Trenton, NJ - N. C. Wyeth painting.jpg, in the lobby]]

TESU houses a number of pieces of art including a N. C. Wyeth painting titled Reception to Washington on April 21, 1789, at Trenton on his way to New York to Assume the Duties of the Presidency of the United States,{{cite news |title=Wells Fargo Donates Historic N.C. Wyeth Painting to TESU |url=https://www.tesu.edu/news/1671017/wells-fargo-donates-historic-wyeth-painting-to-tesu |publisher=Thomas Edison State University |date=December 13, 2019}} the Quantum Ring sculpture,[http://www.destinationtrenton.com/listings/QUANTUM-RING/133/ "Quantum Ring"] Destination Trenton. Retrieved March 7, 2014. a bronze map of Trenton, and plaques in tribute to Thomas Edison,[http://www.destinationtrenton.com/listings/BRONZE-MAP-OF-TRENTON-AND-PLAQUES-IN-TRIBUTE-TO-THOMAS-EDISON/132/ "BRONZE MAP OF TRENTON AND PLAQUES IN TRIBUTE TO THOMAS EDISON"] Destination Trenton. Retrieved March 7, 2014. along with two collections.

Inside the Kelsey Building, a lavishly decorated room was built as a special tribute to Prudence Townsend Kelsey. The Prudence Townsend Kelsey Memorial Room is a permanent exhibit space for the porcelain and art she and her husband, Henry Cooper Kelsey, collected on their annual trips to Europe."[https://www.nytimes.com/2000/07/09/nyregion/on-the-map-in-a-college-building-in-trenton-a-hidden-shrine-to-a-lost-love.html "ON THE MAP; In a College Building in Trenton, a Hidden Shrine to a Lost Love"] New York Times. Retrieved March 7, 2014. Paintings, porcelains and bronzes on display in the Memorial Room. The majority of the collections consists of souvenirs and mementos purchased by the Kelsey's on their annual trips abroad. Some of the items housed in the room include an asparagus shaped porcelain vial, a jewel Demitasse cup and saucer by Coalport, charms, vases and several pieces of porcelain and crystal from Austria, England, Germany, France and Ireland.

The Bradshaw Collection by George A. Bradshaw is displayed in the Kelsey Building's Prudence Hall. The university often hosts tours of these collections which are also viewable by appointment. In addition to being displayed at Thomas Edison State University, Bradshaw's etchings are in the permanent collections of the Library of Congress, the New York Public Library, the Vanderpoel Gallery in Chicago, Newark Museum, the University of Nebraska and many private collections.[http://www.princetoninfo.com/index.php?option=com_us1more&Itemid=6&key=11-27-13bradshaw "Capturing Landmarks in Pencil, Pen, and Ink"] Princeton Info. Retrieved March 7, 2014.;[http://www.princetonol.com/historical_sights/polCalendarEvent.cfm?Event_Id=17284 "Prudence Townsend Kelsey Memorial Room, Thomas Edison State College"] Princeton Online. Retrieved March 7, 2014.

In 2019, Wells Fargo donated the painting by Wyeth portraying George Washington's reception at Trenton to TESU, the largest gift ever given to the university.{{cite news |last1=Duke |first1=India |title=$4M painting is most-expensive gift ever given to this N.J. university |url=https://www.nj.com/news/2019/12/4m-painting-is-most-expensive-gift-ever-given-to-this-nj-university.html |publisher=NJ.com |date=December 16, 2019}}

Thomas Edison State University offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees in more than 100 areas of study.{{cite web

| title = What You Can Study

| work = Academic Programs

| publisher = Thomas Edison State University

| url = https://www.tesu.edu/academics/what-you-can-study

| access-date = August 19, 2020}} The university also offers undergraduate, graduate and noncredit certificates.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tesu.edu/academics|title=Degree Programs at Thomas Edison State University}} Academic programs at the institution are housed in five schools:

• Heavin School of Arts and Sciences
• School of Applied Science and Technology
• School of Business and Management
• W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions
• John S. Watson School of Public Service

The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); it has been accredited by MSCHE or its predecessor organization since 1977.{{Cite web|title = Middle States Commission on Higher Education|url = https://www.msche.org/institutions_view.asp?idinstitution=469|website = www.msche.org|access-date = 2016-01-14}} Several programs are also accredited:

• The W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing programs at Thomas Edison State University are approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing, the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).{{cite web

| title = Baccalaureate Schools – Nursing Program

| work = Division of Consumer Affairs

| publisher = State of New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety Office of the Attorney General

| url = http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/nursing/vocschool.pdf

| access-date = January 13, 2014}}

• The school's Master of Arts in Educational Leadership Program is accredited by The Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC).{{cite web

| title = TEAC Members

| work = NLNAC Accredited Nursing Programs

| publisher = Teacher Education Accreditation Council

| url = http://www.teac.org/index.php/membership/teac-members/?page_id=45&Sort=2&Ref=2

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110724200028/http://www.teac.org/index.php/membership/teac-members/?page_id=45&Sort=2&Ref=2

| url-status = usurped

| archive-date = July 24, 2011

| access-date = May 11, 2009}} The TEAC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).{{cite web

| title = Recognized Accrediting Organizations (as of April 2009)

| publisher = Council for Higher Education Accreditation

| url = http://www.chea.org/pdf/CHEA_USDE_AllAccred.pdf

| access-date = May 11, 2009}}

• The Thomas Edison State University bachelor's degree programs in Electronic Systems Engineering Technology and Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is a specialized accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).[http://main.abet.org/aps/AccreditedProgramsDetails.aspx?OrganizationID=7915 "Thomas Edison State College"] ABET. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
• Thomas Edison State University's associate degree program and undergraduate certificate in Polysomnography is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).[http://www.caahep.org/Find-An-Accredited-Program/ "Thomas Edison State College"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121125091741/http://www.caahep.org/find-an-accredited-program/ |date=November 25, 2012 }} CAAHEP. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
• The School of Business and Management's Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Management and Master of Science in Human Resources Management degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).[http://acbspsearch.org/Home/Details?instId=Inst2341/ "Thomas Edison State University ACBSP"]{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Retrieved March 1, 2018.

Invention is the magazine of Thomas Edison State University. It keeps alumni, supporters, students and friends informed of news from the university, including new programs and services, special events and alumni profiles and updates.

The New York Times called Thomas Edison State University the "college that paved the way for flexibility."[https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/25/education/25degree.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1& "Adults Are Flocking to College That Paved Way for Flexibility"] The New York Times. Retrieved March 6, 2014.

In 2013, TESU graduates had among the highest pass rate on the exam for certified public accountants in New Jersey, in the national accounting-boards report[https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/25/education/25degree.html?pagewanted=2&_r=2&adxnnlx=1383753965-wYFZ0jsJxUrWkKIyTTheSA "Adults Are Flocking to College That Paved Way for Flexibility"] New York Times. Retrieved March 6, 2014. and the school was named a top school for military students and veterans.[http://projects.militarytimes.com/jobs/best-for-vets/2013/colleges/online-nontraditional/ "Online Nontraditional"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129043124/http://projects.militarytimes.com/jobs/best-for-vets/2013/colleges/online-nontraditional/ |date=November 29, 2014 }} Military Times. Retrieved March 6, 2014. It was also announced by U.S. Senator Robert Menendez that Thomas Edison State University received a $320,000 grant from the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration to create a regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for 19 densely populated municipalities in North and Central New Jersey.[http://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/-menendez-announces-investment-to-create-economic-development-strategy "Menendez Announces Investment to Create Economic Development Strategy"] Office of US Senator Robert Menendez. Retrieved March 6, 2014.

{{Category see also|Thomas Edison State University alumni}}

The university has more than 60,000 alumni worldwide.{{cite web

| title = Alumni

| publisher = Thomas Edison State University

| url = http://www.tesu.edu/alumni/index.cfm

| access-date = January 12, 2016}}

• Peter Baldacchino, prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, who has served as the bishop of the Diocese of Las Cruces in New Mexico since 2019.[https://www.usccb.org/news/2014/pope-names-springfield-illinois-priest-bishop-wichita-kansas-and-newark-priest-auxiliary "Pope Names Springfield, Illinois Priest as Bishop of Wichita, Kansas and Newark Priest as Auxiliary Bishop of Miami"], United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, February 20, 2014. Accessed December 15, 2022. "Peter Baldacchino was born December 5, 1960, in Sliema, Malta, and holds citizenship in both the United States and Malta.... He holds a diploma in sciences from the University of Malta; electrical installation licenses from Umberto Calosso Trade School, Malta; a bachelor of arts degree from Thomas A. Edison State College and a master of divinity in pastoral ministry degree from the School of Theology, Seton Hall University."
• Arthur C. Brooks, Harvard University professor, economist, and president of the American Enterprise Institute{{cite web

| title = Arthur C. Brooks

| work = Scholars

| publisher = American Enterprise Institute

| url = http://www.aei.org/scholar/125

| access-date = May 12, 2009}}

• Mike Davis, head coach of the Detroit Mercy Titans men's basketball teamHurt, Cecil. [https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/news/2002/03/24/davis-gives-tide-tie-to/27820506007/ "Davis gives Tide tie to Final Four"], Tuscaloosa News, March 23, 2002. Accessed December 15, 2022. "When the young Davis finished his playing career at Alabama, he went overseas to play professionally. He finished up his degree requirement in the mid-90s at Thomas Edison College."
• Lauren Hart, Philadelphia Flyers, national anthem singer [https://www.inquirer.com/news/thomas-edison-state-university-50th-anniversary-adult-learners-20221001.html "Thomas A. Edison State University, formed to ‘shake up’ higher ed, celebrates 50 years"], Philadelphia Inquirer, October 1, 2022. Accessed September 25, 2024. "Some of its notable alum include U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, (D., N.J.); Philadelphia Flyers anthem singer Lauren Hart."
• Walter E. Fountain, United States Army Major General, Assistant Adjutant General of the Oklahoma Army National Guard
• Gary Heavin, founder and CEO of Curves International[http://www.tesufoundation.org/resource_kit/grads.php "Graduates you should meet"]{{dead link|date=February 2024|bot=medic}}TESU Foundation. Retrieved 2016-1-12.
• Steven L. Herman, South Asia bureau chief and a radio/TV correspondent for Voice of America[https://www.akronpressclub.org/202103/voice-of-america-journalist-to-speak-at-akron-press-club "Voice of America journalist to speak at Akron Press Club"], Akron Press Club, March 25, 2021. Accessed December 15, 2022. "Herman is a native of Cincinnati. He holds a B.A. from Thomas Edison State University and a M.A. in public diplomacy from Mountain State University."
• Daniel Knudsen, director and actor{{cite web

| title = Interview with Daniel Knudsen

| date = August 25, 2014

| publisher = The Dove Foundation

| url = http://www.dove.org/father-son-team-make-family-approved-film/

| access-date = August 25, 2014}}

• Tom Luna, former Idaho Superintendent of Public InstructionOliviera, D.F. [https://www.spokesman.com/blogs/hbo/2012/sep/10/wiki-bio-wrong-about-luna-degree/ "Wiki Bio Wrong About Luna Degree"], The Spokesman-Review, September 10, 2012. Accessed December 15, 2022. "Contrary to repeated publication, Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna's degree is not in measurement science. He has a bachelor of arts in liberal studies, says the spokesman for Thomas Edison State College in New Jersey."
• Raj Mukherji, attorney and businessman serving as a Senator representing New Jersey's 32nd District[https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-roster/485/senator-mukherji Senator Raj Mukherji (D)], New Jersey Legislature. Accessed February 16, 2024. "Education: B.A. Thomas Edison State University"
• Michael D. Reynolds, astronomer, former faculty member at Florida State College at JacksonvilleRoberts, Scott. [https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/remembering-dr-michael-d-reynolds-1954-2019/ "Remembering Dr. Michael D. Reynolds, 1954 – 2019"], Sky & Telescope, November 20, 2019. Accessed December 15, 2022. "As they settled in to build their lives in Jacksonville, Mike worked three day jobs (teaching, UPS, and yardwork) while studying at night to earn his bachelor’s degree in natural sciences at Thomas Edison State College."
• Alex Riley, attorney serving as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives from the 134th District[https://house.mo.gov/MemberDetails.aspx?year=2024&code=R&district=134], Missouri House of Representatives. Accessed February 16, 2024. "Riley holds a B.A. in political science from Thomas Edison State University, and a Juris Doctorate from Southern Illinois University."
• Kristina Sisco, director and actress{{cite web

| title = 2007 USC MPW One-Act Play Festival Award is going, going... Gone...

| work = News & Events

| publisher = University of Southern California College of Letters, Arts & Sciences

| url = http://college.usc.edu/news/stories/310/2007-usc-mpw-one-act-play-festival-award-is-going-going-gone/

| access-date = May 12, 2009}}

• Bonnie Watson Coleman, Congresswoman and former Majority Leader of the New Jersey General Assembly{{cite web

| title = Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D) (Majority Leader)

| work = Legislative District 15

| publisher = New Jersey Legislature

| url = http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/BIO.asp?Leg=180

| access-date = May 12, 2009}}

• Isaac Wright Jr., lawyerRorke, Robert. [https://nypost.com/2020/02/11/meet-the-real-life-inspiration-for-abcs-new-series-for-life/ "Meet the real-life inspiration for ABC’s new series For Life"], New York Post, February 11, 2020. Accessed December 15, 2022. "Wright, 45, didn’t begin his formal education until he was out of jail. 'I had to do four years of undergraduate,' he says. 'I went to Thomas Edison State University in Trenton. I graduated from college in 2002, and then I went to law school at St. Thomas University in Miami in 2004.'"

{{Category see also|Thomas Edison State University faculty}}

• Cynthia Baum, clinical psychologist and academic administrator
• Penelope Schott, poet and professor

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.tesu.edu/ Official website]

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{{Colleges and universities in New Jersey}}

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Category:Buildings and structures in Trenton, New Jersey

Category:Universities and colleges established in 1972

Category:Public universities and colleges in New Jersey

Category:Distance education institutions based in the United States

Category:Universities and colleges in Mercer County, New Jersey

Category:1972 establishments in New Jersey