The Stockton University Board of Trustees approved a new three-year contract for President Joe Bertolino at its December meeting on Dec. 3.
The contract, which includes an option for a one-year extension, begins July 1, 2026. Bertolino became the Galloway-based university’s sixth president on July 1, 2023.
“President Bertolino has proven himself to be a steady, compassionate and visionary leader for Stockton University. His deep commitment to student success, inclusive excellence and community partnerships reflect the very best of who we are as an institution,” said Jose Lozano, chair of the university’s board of trustees. “The board of trustees is proud to reaffirm our confidence in his leadership and to support his continued efforts to boldly write Stockton’s next chapter.”
During his first two years at Stockton, Bertolino has led initiatives such as including the development and launch of the university’s 2025 Strategic Plan, which outlines institutional priorities that align with Stockton’s mission and values, including student success, inclusive excellence, regional engagement and sustainability.
Bertolino also created a task force to explore the usage and future development of Stockton’s Atlantic City campus as the first step to developing a business and strategic plan for the university as an Anchor Institution.
Since joining Stockton, Bertolino also has established a series of degree and course offerings with community colleges, secured and elevated strong academic leadership through the hiring of a provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, and led the way for a record-setting Ospreys Give fundraising initiative this fall.
“I’m honored and deeply grateful to the board of trustees for their continued trust and support. Serving as president of Stockton University is a privilege, and I remain committed to leading with care, integrity and purpose,” he said. “Together, we will continue to strengthen Stockton as a community of opportunity, where every student belongs and every voice matters.”
Bertolino has received multiple regional and national honors, including the NASPA Region II President’s Award and the MBCA 2024 Education Appreciation Award, highlighting commitment to higher education and civic leadership.
Prior to joining Stockton, Bertolino led Southern Connecticut State University, a public institution of 9,000 students in New Haven, Connecticut, from 2016 to 2023. Before that stint at Southern Connecticut, he was president of Lyndon State College in Vermont from 2012-2016.
