Stockton University President Joe Bertolino gave his third annual State of the University address Oct. 6, announcing a new strategic plan focusing on strengthening community and advancing excellence.
“This is not just a plan; it’s a moral imperative,” said Bertolino. “A responsibility for our community that is grounded in our values, aligned with our mission and focused on what matters most. It sets a clear direction for Stockton’s next chapter.”
The plan centers on five strategic priorities, including Cultivate a Community of Care, Inspire Minds, Empower Student Success, Anchor in Purpose and Sustain Tomorrow.
The university will aim to improve campus climate by implementing recommendations of the Campus Morale Working Group.
“We will foster connection, dialogue and belonging in every part of campus life,” said Bertolino. “And we will use feedback to guide growth and leadership.”
Bertolino noted that the university will inspire minds through teaching, learning and scholarship with the teacher-scholar model as the focus. It will also emphasize keeping programs relevant, rigorous and student-centered.
“We will support faculty as teachers and scholars, making sure research and creative activity enrich student learning,” he said. “We will expand innovative, hands-on programs that prepare students for the future.”
When Bertolino discussed empowering student success, he stated, “We will expand global awareness and engaged citizenship, giving students the tools to navigate a diverse world. And we will advance faculty and staff development to support student success, making sure every division is aligned around this priority.”
Bertolino pointed out that the university takes its role as an anchor institution seriously, not just in Atlantic City but in Atlantic County and South Jersey. He noted that the university plans to invest in workforce and economic development as well as sharing research and resources locally and globally “to address challenges that matter.”
For the final point of the plan, Bertolino emphasized that Stockton will continue to be innovative and develop new enrollment and retention plans to remain strong in a competitive higher education market and sustain the future of the university.
“We will expand and diversify revenue sources to build stability. We will strengthen financial planning and reserves to prepare for the long term,” he said. “And we will enhance efficiency and cost management to use resources wisely. Higher education, our work, is being questioned in ways we haven’t encountered before. The value of higher education itself is under scrutiny. We face legislative pressure, funding threats and a deep skepticism of the very principles that define our mission.”
Bertolino said that he wants to be clear that the university will be resilient, standing for academic freedom, civil discourse, inclusivity and student support.
“At Stockton, we do not adapt our values to fit the moment. We stand by them, always,” he noted. “So, as we name the challenges around us, we also recognize the responsibility we carry — to move with intention and to lead with purpose.”
