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Georgian Court University (GCU) President Joseph R. Marbach, Ph.D., announced today that he will retire on June 30, 2025. Dr. Marbach has led GCU since July 1, 2015, when he became the first male and first non-religious president in the private Catholic university’s history. He is among the longest-serving current university presidents in New Jersey.
“Serving as President of Georgian Court University has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am deeply grateful to the university community—including our faculty, staff, students, and alumni—for everything they’ve done to make the past nine years so rewarding,” said Dr. Marbach. “Although I am approaching retirement, my work at Georgian Court is not finished. Over the next year, I will continue to support the university’s strategic and academic growth and work closely with the community to fulfill our mission and commitment to our students.”
Dr. Marbach will also establish the President Joseph R. Marbach, Ph.D. Endowed Scholarship, dedicated to supporting students with financial need. This scholarship will create a lasting legacy, helping future generations of GCU students achieve their academic goals.
As the university advances its newly developed strategic vision, the Board of Trustees will appoint an interim President to provide leadership at the conclusion of President Marbach’s tenure. This approach allows the Board to identify the specific leadership qualities and skills necessary for a permanent successor.
As President, Dr. Marbach has been charged with leading the university’s strategic vision and growth. He led the development and launch of “The Strategic Compass…for an Even Better Tomorrow,” a visionary plan focused on academic excellence, the student experience, revenue generation and diversification, and efficiencies. Three years later, the university unveiled “Renew GCU,” encompassing projects reflecting the spiritual, intellectual, physical, and operational renewal of Georgian Court.
Under Dr. Marbach’s leadership, Georgian Court has launched nine new undergraduate programs of study including new majors in nursing, finance, health sciences, and sport management. GCU introduced a Psy.D. in School Psychology, the first doctoral degree in the school’s history, and three new Master’s programs: an M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communication, a Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing, and a Master of Social Work.
Adapting quickly to new trends in higher education has been a hallmark of President Marbach’s tenure. In 2015, he announced the name change of the School of Business to the School of Business and Digital Media, reflecting the growing use of digital technology in new product development, business promotions, marketing, and e-commerce. Since then, Georgian Court has embraced the trend toward local partnerships by formalizing agreements with multiple county and community colleges and seven Catholic high schools throughout the state. In 2020, the university expanded its offering by launching the Center for Professional Studies, featuring courses for enrichment, professional development, and corporate training. Two years later, the nursing program was renamed the Hackensack Meridian Health School of Nursing and Wellness at GCU. The name change was a result of the addition of new academic departments to the nursing school and broadened its focus to the integrated nature of health, nursing, and wellness.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the university quickly pivoted focus to ensure the health, safety, and continued education of students. All classes shifted 100% online, and faculty, staff, and students successfully adapted to remote learning and business operations. To fulfill the university’s commitment to the university, Dr. Marbach established a public vaccination clinic on campus in partnership with a local Walmart and the state’s then-Health Commissioner, Judith Persichilli. Georgian Court was also the first institution of higher education in Ocean or Monmouth County to require vaccines for students living on campus.
Many of Dr. Marbach’s most notable initiatives have focused on the health and well-being of the university community. In 2022, Georgian Court became the first university in New Jersey to allow employees to enroll in a compressed four-day workweek. Later that year, the university became smoke-free and tobacco-free, encouraging healthy habits among students, employees, and campus visitors.
In 2022, he negotiated the sale of 42 acres of primarily unused land to Beth Medrash Govoha, enabling the university to reinvest in its students, faculty, and staff. It was the most significant land deal sale for a New Jersey higher education institution in the last decade.
As President, Dr. Marbach has prioritized the needs of Georgian Court students. In 2023, GCU created the “GCU Promise” program, providing additional support to first-year and transfer students in financial need to make a college education a reality. Earlier this year, Georgian Court was the first university in the state to extend its deposit deadline due to complications with the FAFSA. Today, Georgian Court continues to be recognized as a preferred destination for transfer students, veterans, and servicemembers.
Recognized for his leadership in higher education, he’s held multiple lead volunteer roles within the industry including Chair of the Conference for Mercy Higher Education President’s Council, Chair of the New Jersey Presidents’ Council, and Chair of the Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey Board of Trustees.
“Having served for a dozen years as a university president, I can testify first-hand that it is not a job for the ‘faint of heart.’ The average term is 5.9 years and is filled with all kinds of challenges,” said Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., J.C.D., D.D., the Tenth Bishop of Trenton. “For the last ten years, Dr. Joseph Marbach has led Georgian Court University admirably and well as the only Catholic university located in the Diocese of Trenton. As he concludes his tenure here, I express much gratitude for his service and prayerful good wishes for his future endeavors.”
“Under Dr. Marbach’s leadership, Georgian Court has thrived and grown in significant ways. It has been an honor to work alongside him, and I am truly thankful for his many contributions to our community,” said Sr. Michele Aronica, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “I am especially grateful for Dr. Marbach’s careful consideration of the transition process, which will ensure minimal disruption to the university.”
