JERSEY CITY, N.J. – It has been a busy week for Saint Peter’s University President, Hubert Benitez, D.D.S., Ph.D. as he represented the University at multiple events across New Jersey, a testament to how Saint Peter’s is supporting a career-ready workforce for the state.
On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Dr. Benitez attended the Latino Leaders Breakfast Reception. The reception was held at Space in Newark, N.J. In attendance was new N.J. Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell. The Lt. Governor emphasized the importance of strong entrepreneurship and community collaboration as the backbone of strengthening the state of New Jersey. During the event, Lt. Governor Caldwell also introduced the concept of “e-zones”, communities designed around education, employment and entrepreneurship. He went on to share more of his experiences in Trenton, including his creation of the term “urban traumatic stress” as a way to describe the concentration difficulties faced by vulnerable students.
After the breakfast, several attendees proceeded across the city to the inauguration of Mikie Sherrill, the 57th governor of New Jersey, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. Dr. Benitez is pictured with other leaders of New Jersey institutions of higher education, highlighting the new administration’s emphasis on education across the state.
On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Dr. Benitez and University leadership had a meeting with Jersey City Mayor James Solomon on campus. The meeting emphasized the partnership between Saint Peter’s University as an integral part of the Jersey City community and how vital it is to the higher education landscape in the city. Saint Peter’s is also proud to announce that Paula Mercado Hak, Esq., Vice President and General Counsel & Chief External Affairs Officer at the University, will be a member of Mayor Solomon’s transition team.