New Chair and Vice Chair Selected for TESU Board of Trustees
Long-time member Eric Lear elected chair, Greg Brewer to serve as vice chair
The Thomas Edison State University Board of Trustees has selected long-time board member Eric Lear as its new chair and Gregory Brewer as vice chair.
The board is comprised of 13 members appointed by the governor.
“Our newest chair and vice chair step into these roles at a transformative time in our history,” said Dr. Merodie A. Hancock, president of TESU. “Their vision and leadership will be critical as we advance new programs, strengthen strategic partnerships across New Jersey and continue to meet the evolving demands of work and education.”
Lear is a founding partner of Lear & Pannepacker LLP, certified public accountants and advisors with offices in Princeton, Hamilton and Newtown, Pa. Lear brings expertise in business excellence and a wide array of accounting and advisory services to the board. His areas of focus include strategic planning for small family-owned and mid-sized businesses, financial arrangements for businesses and individuals, customized financial planning for individuals, planning and negotiating complex business transactions, matrimonial planning and negotiations with the IRS and other taxing agencies, as well as tax planning and compliance services. Lear volunteers his time with numerous professional, civic and not-for-profit organizations and has garnered awards for his commitment to the community.
“Serving on the TESU Board of Trustees for the past 17 years has given me a firsthand appreciation for the University’s extraordinary impact on the lives and careers of its students,” said Lear. “I am honored to serve as chair and look forward to working with my fellow trustees, President Hancock and the entire University community as we build on that legacy. TESU is well positioned for the future, and I am excited to help guide the University as it continues to expand opportunities for students and respond to the changing needs of the workforce.”
Brewer was appointed to the board in 2024. He is president and CEO of Right at Home Care and Assistance, where his responsibilities include overseeing budgeting, sales, profit and loss management, accounting, data collection, record maintenance and employment practices. He manages an ongoing public-relations program and a marketing plan to increase community awareness as well as improve relations with community partners and other potential referral sources. He is also an associate senior consultant with Guttman Development Strategies, where he advises C-suite level and mid-range management employees on management development, executive coaching, organization development and training issues. Currently residing in North Carolina, Brewer is particularly familiar with TESU, having earned a master’s degree in management from the University.
“I am deeply honored to serve as vice chair of the TESU Board of Trustees and to have the opportunity to give back to a university that has played an important role in my own professional journey,” said Brewer. “TESU has a unique ability to meet students where they are and provide pathways that help working adults achieve their educational and career goals. I look forward to working with Chair Lear, President Hancock and our fellow trustees to strengthen the University’s momentum, expand its impact and ensure TESU remains responsive to the evolving needs of students, employers and communities.”
The two take over the helm of the board at an exciting time for TESU. The University has recently invested in enhanced student success and engagement, expanded partnerships and is rebuilding the entire digital campus. TESU experienced an 11% increase in degrees awarded and a 12% increase in new students in FY26, with a significant portion of that growth in high-demand healthcare fields.