Uploaded February 2019 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In 1969, Kenneth Wheeler began working at Rutgers and went on to serve as the provost for many years. Wheeler describes New Brunswick in its period of decline. In contrast to Rutgers’ limited involvement in the redevelopment process, Wheeler analyzes Johnson & Johnson as being the driving force and speaks about the role played by John Heldrich. Although Wheeler says that he pushed to have the Mason Gross School and the university bookstore downtown, the Rutgers Board of Governors made no effort to become involved in redevelopment and as a result missed many opportunities. Wheeler describes his personal involvement in the purchase and transformation of the State Theater. In the interview, Wheeler discusses Hiram Market, historic preservation, gentrification and local churches
The Rutgers Oral History Archives is part of the Department of History at Rutgers University. Learn more at https://oralhistory.rutgers.edu/new-brunswick-redevelopment-oral-histories
In 1969, Kenneth Wheeler began working at Rutgers and went on to serve as the provost for many years. Wheeler describes New Brunswick in its period of decline. In contrast to Rutgers’ limited involvement in the redevelopment process, Wheeler analyzes Johnson & Johnson as being the driving force and speaks about the role played by John Heldrich. Although Wheeler says that he pushed to have the Mason Gross School and the university bookstore downtown, the Rutgers Board of Governors made no effort to become involved in redevelopment and as a result missed many opportunities. Wheeler describes his personal involvement in the purchase and transformation of the State Theater. In the interview, Wheeler discusses Hiram Market, historic preservation, gentrification and local churches
The Rutgers Oral History Archives is part of the Department of History at Rutgers University. Learn more at https://oralhistory.rutgers.edu/new-brunswick-redevelopment-oral-histories
