Joseph Bertolino

The Board meeting included President Bertolino's report highlighting the launch and initial KPI development for the new Strategic Plan, the success of recruitment events like "Discover Stockton Day," a record-setting Ospreys Give campaign raising over $600,000, and participation in Atlantic City clean-up efforts. Financial news included securing a "hunger-free campus grant" and preliminary approval for nearly $13 million in state grants for fire alarm replacement and roofing improvements. A new articulation agreement with Thomas Edison University was announced, and Dr. Marty Wygmans was welcomed as the incoming Vice President for Student Affairs. The Academic Affairs & Planning Committee presented four resolutions for consent approval related to new degree and concentration options, which the Board approved, and reported on the positive enrollment trends of the second Winter Term pilot and the development of a new Finance and Investment Lab. The Student Success Committee received updates on Ospreys Navigate engagement and the launch of the "Suit Closet." The Finance and Professional Services Committee presented seven resolutions for approval via consent agenda, including a Summer Session 2026 tuition discount, the FY26 Managerial Cost-of-Living Increase, bid waiver contract approvals, and two resolutions for bond refunding, all of which were approved. The Audit Committee reported a clean opinion for the Fiscal Year 2025 audit and provided updates on internal audit follow-ups and cybersecurity initiatives. The Buildings and Grounds Committee noted the University Library construction remains on schedule and reported on state grant utilization for emergency management and roofing repairs. The Advancement Committee highlighted securing over $1.8 million in new gifts year-to-date and the launch of a new bilingual television commercial. The Investment Committee reviewed portfolio performance through September 30, 2025, noting a total portfolio balance of $135,744,946. Finally, two policies were presented for a second reading and approval, and the Board approved the Personnel Actions Resolution.

The agenda for the meeting included several action items such as the resolution to meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters, collective bargaining agreements, litigation, real estate acquisitions, and public safety issues. Key discussions in the open session involved committee reports covering Academic Affairs, Student Success, Finance and Professional Services, Audit, Buildings and Grounds, Advancement, and Investment. Financial resolutions included approvals for FY26-FY29 Bid Waiver Contracts, an increase to a Bid Waiver Contract, and two amendments to the FY26 Operating & Capital Budget totaling $4,000,000 for the Library Learning Commons Project and Housing 1 Design Costs, funded by the Investment Fund. The Audit Committee reported a clean opinion on the FY2025 audit and provided a cybersecurity update. The Board also conducted a first reading of proposed revisions to University Policies VI-11.1 (University Hours of Operation) and VI-69 (Procurement and Contracting), and a second reading and approval of policies II-13 (Student Academic Credit Load), II-15 (Bulletin Rights), and VI-68 (Campus Closure Policy). Finally, the Board approved the Personnel Actions Resolution, which included new appointments, faculty year 2 contracts, equity adjustments, transfers, resignations, and retirements.

The meeting marked the first Board meeting of the Academic year, during which the Chair reflected on his commitment to the University's future. The President's Report included a Mission Moment detailing the Alton Mental Health Initiative Fund, updates on welcoming over 2500 new students (noting high percentages of first-generation and Pell Grant recipients), the completion of the Strategic Plan, expanded articulation agreements, and the swearing-in of new police officers. Information items recognized the outgoing Board Chair and involved the swearing-in of a new Student Trustee Alternate. The Academic Affairs & Planning Committee secured approval for Academic Year calendars (Summer 2026 through Spring 2028) and the endorsement of the new Strategic Plan. The Student Success Committee provided an overview of division priorities and early enrollment numbers. The Finance and Professional Services Committee presented four resolutions for approval via consent agenda, authorizing grant applications for roofing/waterproofing, mechanical renovation, and emergency technology systems; submitting the FY27 Capital Budget Request; and approving various FY26-FY30 bid waiver contracts and an increase to an existing contract. The Audit Committee reported on fieldwork for the FY2025 audit and the proposed FY2026 internal audit plan. The Buildings and Grounds Committee reported that the University Library construction is on schedule. The Advancement Committee reported exceeding the FY25 fundraising goal. The Investment Committee reviewed portfolio performance through June 30, 2025, noting a total portfolio balance of over $130 million and investment gains of over $11.4 million for the preceding twelve months. The Board approved a Personnel Actions Resolution and approved the I-9.5 policy (University Seal, Colors, and Mascot) following its second reading. A public comment was made advocating for the re-opening of the on-campus childcare center.

The meeting commenced with the new Chair, Joseé Lozano, calling the meeting to order, followed by a roll call confirming quorum. A mission moment was presented concerning the Alton Mental Health Initiative Fund, which supports student well-being, with updates on cultural competency training and an 'I Am Alive' fair. The President provided a report highlighting a successful start to the academic year, welcoming over 2500 new students, noting high graduation rates for Pell-eligible students, and celebrating student trustee Melanie Chin's acceptance to medical school. Key discussions included the presentation and endorsement of the new strategic plan developed through extensive campus engagement. Academic affairs included the approval of academic calendars through Summer 2028, new articulation agreements, and a pathway for advanced study with Northeast College of Health Sciences. The board also welcomed nine new police officers and introduced a new American Council on Education fellow, Dr. Eric Small. Upcoming events like Constitution Day, Osprey's Give, and University Weekend were noted, along with the forthcoming State of the University address.

The 'Soaring Forward' Strategic Plan for Stockton University is a comprehensive roadmap developed through extensive community engagement, designed to guide decisions and investments for the university's future. It aims to empower individuals to thrive and position Stockton as a national leader in public higher education, emphasizing equity, engagement, and sustainability. Key pillars include fostering an ethic of care, promoting the teacher-scholar model, ensuring an inclusive environment, providing holistic student support, and leveraging its role as an anchor institution for regional impact.