Gov. Murphy returns to Rowan, shares lessons in leadership with aspiring public servants

Gov. Phil Murphy shared his views on the future of the state, the country and the role of good government during “An Evening with Governor Murphy” on Dec. 3 at Rowan University. Hosted by the Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship (RIPPAC), Murphy offered words of wisdom from his tenure as governor to a packed Eynon Ballroom of Rowan students, faculty, staff and friends of the university.

During the “fireside chat” with RIPPAC director Ben Dworkin, Murphy reflected on the accomplishments, challenges, leadership and legacy of his two terms as New Jersey’s 56th Governor. He cited raising the minimum wage, fully-funded pension payments and addressing and shrinking inequities as highlights and recalled the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic as the greatest challenge. 

When asked what a book recapping the Murphy administration should be titled, he treated the crowd to his now-iconic “Jersey, baby!” before answering with, “We Are Who We Said We’d Be.” He emphasized the consistency between campaign-era promises and his administration's governance as a point of pride. 

“We campaigned on the basis to build a stronger, fairer and more responsible New Jersey and we’ve done a lot in all those lanes,” said Murphy. “I believe we’re a state you can trust again.”

“It’s a gem, period.”
During his final visit to Rowan as governor, Murphy focused on how his administration addressed the needs of South Jersey through significant investments in transportation, education and strategic innovation hubs across the region.

“It’s not charity. This is earned. This is deserved,” said Murphy, citing his plans to spend a disproportionate amount of time, energy and resources on South Jersey that pre-dated his election.

He underscored his commitment to building a stronger economy through workforce development by supporting Rowan’s growth and its transformation into one of the nation’s top 100 public research universities. Rowan received state funding to help support the construction of several facilities that are spurring increases in enrollment and research, including the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine. The state provided $75 million to fund construction of the 167,00-square-foot home to New Jersey’s first and only veterinary school.

According to Murphy, investing in new facilities and projects at Rowan will help ensure New Jersey can tap into its own, home-grown talent to meet critical workforce needs.

“Rowan is not just a South Jersey gem…it’s a gem, period,” said Murphy. “The growth we have seen on Rowan’s campuses is proof that when we work in good faith with leaders at every level, we can build a state that is prepared to outcompete anyone.”

Other Rowan projects supported by state allocations during Murphy’s terms included the Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, NJ Medtech Strategic Innovation Center, West Campus infrastructure improvements and statewide adoption of a Rowan-born 3+1 education pathway that keeps a bachelor’s degree to approximately $30,000.

“Rowan would not be what it is today without Governor Murphy’s leadership and vision for the growth and development of South Jersey,” said Rowan University President Ali A. Houshmand. “We have been able to double enrollment in the past dozen years and are well-positioned to increase it to more than 38,000 in the coming decade, thanks in part to the governor.”

Keeping all options open
In the latter half of Wednesday evening’s talk, Murphy cited the three books that influenced him most as governor, including Erik Larson’s “The Splendid and the Vile,” which he had his staff read in 2020 while navigating the early days of the pandemic. He also addressed the upcoming transition and his plans for returning to life as a citizen. Murphy plans to stay in public service but says he is leaving all options open. 

When asked what advice for Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, Murphy said she doesn’t need advice, stating he has confidence in her leadership and vision for the state, adding his team is an “open book” and there to help her in any way possible as she prepares to take office on January 20. 

Established in 2018, RIPPAC is dedicated to informing, training and engaging the Rowan community on public issues related to politics, policy and citizen engagement. The institute hosts programs and events throughout the year to support students’ academic and career development and facilitate public policy research, discussion and discourse.  

“We’re preparing the next generation of public servants and political leaders by offering numerous opportunities that are crucial for their development,” said RIPPAC Director Ben Dworkin. “Today, RIPPAC alumni can be found at all levels of state and federal government.”

Murphy’s return to Rowan marks RIPPAC’s final speaker for fall 2025. Most recently, RIPPAC hosted Congressman Donald Norcross, former U.S. Sen. Jeff Chiesa, former U.S. Sen. George Helmy, and former Delaware Gov. Jack Markell, who also served as U.S. ambassador to Italy.