In a historic move, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed legislation at Rutgers- New Brunswick campus Wednesday that will pave the way for the restructuring of Rutgers State University, Rowan University and University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. More importantly, this allows Rutgers to have a medical school and research university tag for the Rowan.

Formally called the New Jersey Medical and Health Sciences Education Restructuring Act will allow the merger of Rutgers' New Brunswick and Newark campuses with UMDNJ. The Rowan University on the other hand will merge with UMDNJ's School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford and will gain a state designation as a Research Institution. But, the act will preserve the Rutgers' presence in Camden.

Christie visited all the three campuses of Rutgers and told the Wall Street Journal that the restructuring of these schools through the act will provide 'an opportunity to become even bigger and stronger.'

According to the Journal, Rutgers always wanted to add a medical school to improve its position among nation's higher education institutions and to receive federal funding. Finally, its aspirations have been materialized through the merger.

"The integration of an academic medical center into Rutgers adds tremendous value to the entire university and the state. We will be well-positioned to dramatically improve our ability to win federal grants, attract top-flight faculty and students, expand health care options for New Jersey residents and foster economic growth," said Ralph Izzo, chairman of the Rutgers University Board of Governors in a statement.

The previously proposed merger in January was vehemently opposed by faculty and students that would have merged Rutgers-Camden with Rowan which would have resulted in the removal of the name 'Rutgers'. After going through a lengthy series of amendments it was finally decided that a joint board will be overseeing the campuses of Rutgers and Rowan.

The legislation was passed by both the houses of New Jersey legislature June 28 with strong bipartisan support. Republican Christie backed by many of the Democrats is being hailed for the success.

According to the philly.com, State Senetor Stephen Sweeney, a Democrat, thanked Christie repeatedly for showing 'courage' in pushing the bill. The proposal for the merger has been on the table for years.

The NJ.com editorial welcomed the move. The editorial said, "we look forward locally to more seats at the table, and, ultimately, more seats for students to complete their education without leaving the region."

The consolidation of the schools is expected to be completed by July 1, 2013.