5 year old patient Serina Patel and her family join the leadership of RWJBarnabas Health, Rutgers Cancer Institute and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and the Rutgers Scarlet Knight at the opening of the new Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., June 24, 2025 – RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center officially opened the doors of the 12-story, 520,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center — the state’s only freestanding, comprehensive cancer hospital, one of just 13 in the nation.
Patients arriving for their first appointments were greeted with warm welcomes by hospital leaders and staff, dedicated to providing world-class cancer care. Yesterday’s opening was marked by an atmosphere of hope and inspiration. Visitors were also greeted by beloved, iconic New Jersey mascots — NJ Devil, Rutgers Scarlet Knight, and Sparkee from the Somerset Patriots.
New Jersey Devils N.J., and Somerset Patriots Sparkee visit with patients and employees to celebrate the opening of the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center
“Today is a terrific day,” said Mark E. Manigan, President and Chief Executive Officer for RWJBarnabas Health. “This building is emblematic of our $1.5 billion investment in transforming the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in New Jersey and beyond. It’s the only one of its kind in the region—one of just 13 in the country—with scientists on one side and clinicians on the other, literally bringing advancements in cancer care from the bench to the patient. Irrespective of where you live, you’ll have access to what’s happening here, and by virtue of that, we will elevate the quality of cancer care and experience for every patient we serve.”
The Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center is the cornerstone of RWJBarnabas Health’s more than $1.5 billion investment to expand oncology services across the state. Equipped with the most advanced technology and designed to facilitate multidisciplinary, patient-centered care, the Center redefines what it means to provide hope and healing.
Leadership from RWJBarnabas Health, Rutgers Cancer Institute and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital thank the employees of the new Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center – now opened for patients
Dr. Steven Libutti, William N. Hait Director of Rutgers Cancer Institute and Senior VP of Oncology Services, RWJBarnabas Health, with the Rutgers Scarlet Knight to commemorate the start of patient care at the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center
“This hospital is the culmination of years of collaboration, vision, and dedication to advancing cancer research and treatment,” said Steven Libutti, MD, William N. Hait Director of Rutgers Cancer Institute and Senior Vice President of Oncology Services at RWJBarnabas Health. “We are creating a new standard of care where scientific discovery and compassionate treatment intersect under one roof. We’re not just treating cancer, we’re transforming lives.”
Hospital namesake Jack Morris, Chair of the Board of Directors at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, also shared his thoughts on the opening: “We saw upwards of 500 patients on our first day. This cancer center will raise the bar for cancer care throughout the United States. This is an amazing opportunity for the people who care for patients and the patients we care for. We can already see what this will do for the state of New Jersey, and that makes my family and I very happy.”
The Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center features: 88 infusion bays and 80 exam rooms for adult and pediatric outpatient care, the infrastructure to enhance the development and deployment of the latest innovative clinical trials; a vibrant, “Jersey Shore”-themed clinical space for pediatric patients; advanced radiation oncology and diagnostics; on-site pharmacy; and state-of-the-art laboratories to support 10 independent research teams. It also includes 96 inpatient beds and a dedicated floor for surgical and procedure rooms. As part of a planned phased-in opening, inpatient care is expected to begin in late summer.
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ABOUT RWJBARNABAS HEALTH
RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.
RWJBarnabas Health partners with its diverse communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate and equitable manner and is the state’s largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.
RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute — the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers, with more than 43,000 employees, contributing more than $5.5 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org.
ABOUT RUTGERS CANCER INSTITUTE
As New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute, together with RWJBarnabas Health, provides patients access to the most advanced cancer treatment options including clinical trials close to home at our facilities throughout the state. Our groundbreaking cancer research is the engine that drives access to the most advanced cancer treatments, where our discoveries become your care.
For journalists – contact:
Carrie Cristello
Carrie.Cristello@rwjbh.org