In June, the University announced Pruitt’s decision to step down as president at the end of 2017. The University is conducting a national search to find its next president.
Brian Maloney, the Chair of the University Board of Trustees, said, “We believe this is a fitting tribute that recognizes Dr. Pruitt’s leadership, vision and more than 30 years of tireless service to our University, our students and alumni, and the city of Trenton. His leadership has been transformational and positions us to continue changing the lives of the students we serve.”
Under his leadership, the University has helped stimulate economic growth in the city and led many civic partnerships designed to improve the city’s State House Historic District.
The university’s Glen Cairn project, opened in 2016, transformed one of Trenton’s gateways.
Pruitt was active in the passage of the Building Our Future Bond Act, approved by voters in 2012.
The bond initiative helped make it possible for the University to acquire the blighted Glen Cairn Arms apartment complex and erect the University’s newest building in its place. It remains home to the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and the University’s student advising center.
The new designation is now visible above the main entrance to the building facing West State Street.
The University also unveiled a portrait of Pruitt, which is located in the first-floor atrium of the building. The building designation and portrait unveiling were held on Friday, Sept. 15 following the University’s Board of Trustees meeting.