Dr. George Pruitt, president of Thomas Edison State College, a leader in higher education and a key figure in the revitalization of downtown Trenton, will be honored by the policy, planning and redevelopment organization New Jersey Future at a reception Thursday evening, Oct. 29, at the Trenton City Museum in Cadwalader Park.
Dr. George Pruitt has been president of Thomas Edison State College since 1982 and has led the college’s effort to restore and construct several historic and new buildings in Trenton’s downtown, preserving the essence of the city’s stately past while stimulating economic development. These buildings include the Kelsey Building, one of the architectural landmarks of Trenton; the townhouse complex located adjacent to New Jersey’s State House complex; the Center for Learning and Technology; and Kuser Mansion, all on West State Street, as well as the Academic Center and Canal Banks buildings located on West Hanover Street.
In addition to his redevelopment efforts, Dr. Pruitt has been a driving force in strengthening public policy through the establishment of The John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy. The institute works with leadership in the public and nonprofit sectors to address critical public-policy challenges. As a leader in higher education he has also served in an advisory capacity to five secretaries of education under three presidents of both parties.
The Oct. 29 celebration will honor Dr. Pruitt’s unwavering commitment to New Jersey’s capital city and his leadership and persistence in leveraging his institution as an agent for change and revitalization. Those interested in more information can read his full biography and purchase tickets for the celebration at njfuture.org/george.
New Jersey Future is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that brings together concerned citizens and leaders to promote responsible land-use policies. The organization employs original research, analysis and advocacy to build coalitions and drive land-use policies that help revitalize cities and towns, protect natural lands and farms, provide more transportation choices beyond cars, expand access to safe and affordable neighborhoods and fuel a prosperous economy. More recently, New Jersey Future has expanded its work to include local engagement and implementation, most notably in Sandy-affected communities.
