N.J. Stat. Ann. § 18A:64-1

The Legislature hereby finds that it is in the best interest of the State that the State colleges shall be and continue to be given a high degree of self-government and that the government and conduct of the colleges shall be free of partisanship. The Legislature finds further that a decentralization of authority and decision-making to the boards of trustees and administrators of the State colleges will enhance the idea of self-government. Such colleges shall be maintained for the purpose of providing higher education in the liberal arts and sciences and various professional areas, including the science of education and the art of teaching, at such places as may be provided by law. The names of the colleges shall be designated by the board of trustees subject to regulations of the Commission on Higher Education concerning university status. The name of each of the existing State colleges shall continue the same unless a new name is so designated.