UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ, first opened its doors as Union County Junior College in October 1933. Supported by the Emergency Relief Administration, it was established to provide an affordable education for Union County residents while also creating jobs for faculty during the Great Depression. By 1970, as Elizabeth struggled with urban decline and the loss of traditional industries, the establishment of a dedicated college campus signaled a commitment to the local community. Under President Kenneth W. Iverson and the Educational Project team, two new urban campuses in Elizabeth and Plainfield were designed to extend educational opportunities to more of Union County’s population.

The Community Services Center building at 707 South Broad Street at the corner of Bayway was chosen to house the new campus. The building included a library with books and school equipment funded with both public and independent resources and ensured a quality of education that was affordable for the most people possible. During its first year, approximately 125 full-time and 200 part-time students were enrolled in Liberal Arts and Business Administration programs. Professor of Psychology Fred L. Lang was named Director of the Elizabeth campus. Speaking on the new campus, he observed, “It’s just a different atmosphere here than at the Cranford campus. We’re in an urban environment, so outweighing the disadvantages, naturally our campus is more of a city college.” Today, the location is Mabel G. Holmes School No.5.