Lisa Youngblood

The Board meeting included the approval of a resolution to meet in closed session for personnel, legal, and real estate matters. Key business items addressed were the adoption of the FY27 Operating and Capital Budget, approval of various bid waiver contracts and increases, and authorization of new Biology program options. The Board also conducted policy reviews, including first readings for disability and academic competency policies, and passed a second reading for sufficient academic progress policy. Personnel actions were approved, and the meeting concluded with updates from various committees and an opportunity for public comment.

The board discussed and approved several finance-related resolutions, including a 3% average increase in tuition and fees for the upcoming academic year and summer sessions, adjusted housing rents, and revised meal plan rates. Additionally, the meeting covered an increase in tuition for fully online master's degrees, graduate educational endorsements, and graduate certificate programs. The committee provided updates on the current fiscal year finance status and the projected budget for the next fiscal year, highlighting an improved forecasted deficit and cash balance. The session concluded with a public comment opportunity.

The meeting included reports on campus activities, institutional strategic plans, and facilities management in response to winter weather. Key topics involved the introduction of new leadership in the School of Education and enrollment management, updates on academic affairs including a new certificate in entrepreneurship, and an overview of student success initiatives, enrollment trends, and scholarship programs. Athletics accomplishments were highlighted, and upcoming campus events were promoted.

The Board discussed various academic and administrative items, including the establishment of new certificate programs in Business Management Fundamentals in Hospitality, Speech-Language Pathology Preparation, and a Mathematics concentration in Economics. Financial resolutions were passed regarding the continuation of the FY26 budget into FY27, approval of tuition and fees for FY27, various bid waiver contracts, and an increase to existing bid waiver agreements. Additionally, the Board authorized participation in the New Jersey Medicaid Access to Physician Services Program, appointed an independent outside auditor, and approved the renaming of Galloway campus residential facilities. Several University policies were reviewed, including updates to hours of operation, procurement and contracting, and sufficient academic progress standards.

Stockton University's Strategic Plan, titled "Soaring Forward: Strengthening Community, Advancing Excellence," is a framework developed collaboratively by its community members. It is built upon the university's ethic of care and commitment to academic excellence, outlining its current state, values, and future trajectory. The plan is structured around five strategic priorities: Cultivating a Community of Care, Inspiring Minds through teaching, learning, and scholarship, Empowering Student Success, Anchoring in Purpose by serving the region and beyond, and Sustaining Tomorrow through stewardship and innovation. These priorities will guide goal setting, resource allocation, and progress measurement, ensuring the university continues as a center of learning and a force for progress. The plan integrates equity-centered, evidence-based strategies from the Postsecondary Value Framework to ensure student access, affordability, and completion.