President Dr. George A. Pruitt
Thomas Edison State University President Dr. George A. Pruitt is being honored this month by the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey with its Circle of Achievement Award for his work in higher education.
The chamber is scheduled to present the award at its second annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala on Feb. 18 at the New Brunswick Hyatt Regency in East Brunswick, N.J. The annual event honors a select group of African Americans who have distinguished themselves through accomplishments in a wide variety of fields, such as business, public service, education, sports and entertainment.
“I am honored to be recognized by the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey,” said Pruitt. “It is a privilege to be acknowledged by this renowned organization for serving the needs of adult learners in New Jersey and throughout the world.”
Pruitt has served as president of Thomas Edison State University since 1982. Prior to coming to the college, he served in executive leadership positions at Illinois State University, Towson State University, Morgan State University, Tennessee State University and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning. He is active in the formulation of educational policy nationally and within the State of New Jersey.
In addition, Pruitt has consulted widely in business, government and the higher education community and has served in an advisory capacity to four Secretaries of Education under three Presidents of both parties.
Currently, Pruitt serves as chairman, Board of Directors, Structured Employment Economic Development Corporation; chairman, Board of Directors, Capital City Partnership, Inc., Trenton, New Jersey; and a member of the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities. In 2011, Pruitt was the only college president from New Jersey named as a vice chair to the national Commission on Higher Education Attainment focusing on improving retention and attainment at institutions of higher learning throughout the country.
The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey is dedicated to economically empowering and sustaining African American communities through entrepreneurship and capitalistic activities within the state of New Jersey and via interaction with the National Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
The chamber will also honor former New Jersey Attorney General Paula Dow; Champion Top Fuel Car Driver Antron Brown; and Fredrick S. Humphries, Jr., vice president, U.S. Government Affairs for Microsoft Corporation, at this year’s gala. John W. Rogers Jr., chairman and CEO of Ariel Investments, is scheduled to give the keynote address at the event.
Toni M. Terry, BA