Seton Hall received an $8.4 million New Jersey Higher Education Capital Facilities Grant to support infrastructure upgrades on its South Orange campus, including renovations to academic buildings, residence halls and mechanical systems, according to a university-issued press release.
The funding is part of a broader $250 million capital investment announced by the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to address deferred maintenance and facility improvements at colleges and universities statewide. Distributed through the Higher Education Capital Investment Fund and the Higher Education Facilities Trust Fund, the grants awarded more than $240 million to 92 projects at 23 institutions in January 2026. The grants are administered by the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority.
At SHU, the money will be used for projects in McNulty Hall and on-campus housing on the South Orange campus, as well as at the School of Law in Newark, according to the press release. Planned upgrades include modernizing aging mechanical systems, improving energy efficiency and updating building management controls.
Victoria Pivovarnick, associate vice president of facilities and business affairs, said the projects are intended to address long-standing maintenance needs while supporting the university’s academic goals.
“These improvements will help ensure our campuses continue to shine and provide modern, high-quality spaces that enhance the academic experience for our students and make meaningful progress across the University,” Pivovarnick said.
University representatives said construction and upgrades are expected to have a noticeable impact beginning in fall 2026, including improvements to accessibility at the Law Library and enhanced support for science and technology research in McNulty Hall.
State officials said the funding prioritizes projects related to life-safety systems, roof replacements and the modernization of classrooms and laboratories.
Kaelyn Blizard is the assistant editor of The Setonian’s News section. She can be reached at kaelyn.blizard@student.shu.edu.
