Lisa Youngblood

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.

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.