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Stockton University
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Stockton University is a public university in Galloway Township, New Jersey, United States. It is a part of New Jersey's public system of higher education. It is named for Richard Stockton, one of the New Jersey signers of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Founded in 1969, Stockton enrolled its first class in 1971. Stockton is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The university has a second campus in Atlantic City.
Key Information
History
[edit]In November 1968, New Jersey approved a $202.5 million (equivalent to $1831.03 million in 2024) capital construction bond issue with an earmarked $15 million (equivalent to $135.63 million in 2024) designated for the construction of a new state college in Southern New Jersey. In 1969, a 1,600-acre (650-hectare) tract was selected for the campus in the heart of the New Jersey Pine Barrens in Galloway Township. The trustees originally named the school "South Jersey State College", but they later renamed it to "Stockton State College", in order to avoid confusion with Rutgers College of South Jersey.[2]
In 1970, as construction began to run behind schedule, the trustees realized they needed an alternative location for the first class in 1971. They selected the historic Mayflower Hotel in Atlantic City as the temporary campus.[2] Accreditation of Stockton State College by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools was first granted in December 1975.[3]
In 1978 the US Congress passed legislation creating the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve, the first such designation in the nation, to protect the area's ecology and aquifer, which serves the large metropolitan region. In 1988, the United Nations designated it an International Biosphere Reserve, in recognition of its importance.[4]
In 1993, the college's name was changed to the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. Rochelle Hendricks, New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education, approved Stockton's petition to become a university on February 13, 2015. On February 18, 2015, Stockton's board of trustees voted to change the former college's seal to reflect the new name, Stockton University. The executive committee of the New Jersey Presidents Council, which represents the presidents of the state's public, private and community colleges and universities that receive state aid, had also voted for the change. In February 2015, the college was awarded university status and was officially renamed Stockton University on February 18, 2015.[5]
In the fall of 2017, Stockton University began constructing a new facility in the Chelsea neighborhood of Atlantic City. The addition was met with applause from local residents and community leaders, who hailed it as a redevelopment of the long-declining neighborhoods in Ward 5 of Atlantic City. The $220-million-campus opened in September 2018 and included a three-story academic center and apartment-style complex for student living, called Kesselman Hall.[6]
Presidents
[edit]- Richard E. Bjork[7]
- Peter M. Mitchell[7]
- Vera King Farris[7][8]
- Herman Saatkamp[9][10]
- Harvey Kesselman[11][12]
- Joe Bertolino[13]
Campus
[edit]
In the 2010s, the university completed several major building projects and other initiatives. The new Campus Center opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 7, 2011. The 154,000-square-foot (14,300-square-metre) building was designed as a green, sustainable building which would be an inviting, inclusive, and exciting gathering place for the entire community.[14]
Stockton opened a new $39.5-million Unified Science Center with state-of-the-art equipment in September 2013. The 66,350-square-foot (6,164-square-metre), three-story facility expands Stockton's School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NAMS).[15]
Seaview Resort
[edit]In August 2010, as part of its expansion of its tourism and hotel management program in the School of Business, Stockton announced plans to purchase the nearby Seaview Resort & Golf Course. On September 1, 2010, Stockton completed the deal for $20 million.[16] In 2010, Stockton established the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism (LIGHT), part of the Stockton School of Business in Atlantic City at Stockton's Carnegie Center.[17]
Stockton University officially completed the sale of the Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club on July 31, 2018, to KDG Capital LLC of Florida for $21,070,000.[18] The hotel retained the name Seaview Hotel & Golf Club. Dolce Hotels and Resorts by Wyndham will continue to manage the hotel while Troon will continue to operate the two 18-hole golf courses.[citation needed]
Atlantic City campus
[edit]
The university has built an Atlantic City campus at the Boardwalk and Albany Ave, with student residences overlooking the beach and Boardwalk. Stockton University Atlantic City opened fall 2018 with more than 500 residential students and more than 1,800 students taking courses in the new Academic Center, built on the former site of Atlantic City High School.[19] The project is a public-private partnership with Atlantic City Development Corp., or AC Devco, a non-profit modeled on New Brunswick Development Corp., which expanded Rutgers' New Brunswick campus. The project includes a parking garage topped by new offices for South Jersey Gas, with 879 parking spaces for use by the university, South Jersey Gas and the public; and an academic building that can accommodate up to 1,800 students. The university also owns and operates the nearby Rothenberg Building.[20]
Funding sources for the Atlantic City campus include $50.4 million in bonds from the Atlantic County Improvement Authority from proceeds of almost $70 million in tax credits issued by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.[21]
In December 2014, Stockton had purchased the shuttered Showboat Atlantic City hotel and casino for $18 million, with plans to develop a full-service residential campus awarding undergraduate and graduate degrees and other professional training programs.[22][23] The former resort, dubbed the "Island Campus", would have been converted casino and employee spaces into classrooms, cafeteria space and offices for faculty and staff. Several floors of hotel rooms would be renovated into student housing, while the remaining rooms would be operated as a hotel. The House of Blues would be modified to house the school's performing arts programs.[24]
Soon after, it was publicly disclosed that Trump Entertainment Resorts held a covenant to the property, preventing the site from being used as anything other than a casino. It was through this covenant that Trump Entertainment Resorts prevented Stockton's plans to open an Atlantic City campus on the Showboat property. President Saatkamp came under fire for making the purchase despite knowing about the covenant.[25][26] The university reached a deal to lease the property from investor Glenn Straub, who planned to purchase the Showboat. Straub later sued the university to prevent Stockton from backing out of the deal.[27][28] Stockton sold the Showboat property to Bart Blatstein in January 2016.[29]
Student life
[edit]| Race and ethnicity | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 58% | ||
| Hispanic | 19% | ||
| Black | 10% | ||
| Asian | 7% | ||
| Two or more races | 4% | ||
| International student | 1% | ||
| Unknown | 1% | ||
| Economic diversity | |||
| Low-income[a] | 41% | ||
| Affluent[b] | 59% | ||
Stockton's Division of Student Affairs is organized to provide comprehensive programs and services to more than 8,800 students, including more than 3,000 students who reside in university facilities. These programs and services are intended to enhance campus life and enrich the academic programs of Stockton.[31]
Stockton University is home to more than 200 official student clubs and organizations including a Student Senate. The Office of Student Development oversees all student clubs and organizations.
There are student media organizations, including the Argo, a student-produced newspaper. WLFR 91.7 (Lake Fred Radio) is the student-run FM radio station licensed to Stockton in 1984. Stockpot Literary Magazine is an annual literary publication featuring art, poetry and writing of Stockton students and alumni. The Stockton yearbook (The Path) is an historical record of the academic year.
Housing
[edit]Stockton has six housing units on campus. Housing II and III are complexes of traditional three-story residence halls, while Housing I, IV and V are all apartment-style complexes of varying architectural character.
- Founder's Hall (Housing II and III): Housing II is an 11-building, suite-style complex, housing around 520 students, with 17 residents per floor and 51 per three-story building. Housing III is a five-building complex, housing approximately 300 students with 20 students per floor and 60 per building. The residential halls offer a more traditional university lifestyle for the first-year experience. Originally, all students who choose to live on campus in their first year were required to live in either Housing II or Housing III; however, due to exceptionally large freshmen classes in recent years, some freshmen are assigned to Housing 1 as well.
- The Apartments (Housing I, IV, and V) consist of three multi-building complexes. Housing I is a 255-unit, 1,012-bed, garden apartment complex, which allows four students to live in proximity while being part of a larger court community of 128.
- Housing IV consists of eight buildings, each with eight two-bedroom apartments, with a total 246 beds. Each apartment holds four residents. Every four apartments are separated by an indoor foyer that leads out to the Housing IV recreational university green.
- Housing V, completed in 2008 as part of the capital program, consists of a complex of six buildings with a total of 384 beds. The Housing V suites house four students, with four key-entry bedrooms. These students share a kitchen and living area with their roommates and have access to a larger community recreation room.
- In fall 2018 Stockton opened its Atlantic City Campus. The Atlantic City Campus Residential Complex can accommodate some 530 students. The room styles are one-person studio, two-person private, four-person shared and private, and six-person private; all are apartment style living, with full kitchens.[32] The number of rooms was increased for the 2020–2021 school year to comply with regulations relating to the COVID-19 pandemic in New Jersey.[33]
Ranking and special recognition
[edit]In 2025, Stockton was ranked No. 84 by U.S. News & World Report among public colleges and university in the nation and No. 158 on the Best National Universities list. Stockton was also recognized as one of the top 40 national universities for social mobility, which is based on enrolling and graduating low-income students.
Stockton was selected No. 10 among small public schools nationwide in the 2025-26 Military Friendly School survey and named to the Transfer Honor Roll by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for its transfer-friendly policies for community college students in 2025.
Architecture
[edit]- The original linear campus was cited as one of New Jersey's ten "architectural treasures" by New Jersey Monthly (April 1999) for its International modernist style, designed in the late 1960s by Robert Geddes of Geddes Brecher Qualls Cunningham Architects.[34] Generous use of glass opens views to the Pinelands setting. The noted architect Michael Graves designed the Arts and Sciences Building (1991–1996) in a Post-Modernist style, with organic colors.[35]
- After the F-Wing renovation in 2006, Stockton received LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
- In 2008, Stockton received the "Green Project of Distinction" award from Education Design Showcase for Housing V (six residence halls).[36]
- The Campus Center was awarded LEED® Gold certification established by the U.S. Green Building Council. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the nation's preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
- The Unified Science Center, a 66,350-square-foot facility that opened in 2013, includes energy-efficient features and three striking artworks tied to the building's environmental and scientific purpose: a Water Molecule sculpture by artist Larry Kirkland; The Wave, a hanging colored-glass installation by artist Ray King; and Sun Sails, a second colored-glass installation by King.[37]
- Ground was broken in 2014 for a 54,000-square-foot expansion, The Unified Science Center 2 and a Health Sciences Center, which opened in 2018.[38]
Green initiatives
[edit]Stockton is an environmentally friendly campus featuring a geothermal heat pump, fuel cells, and photovoltaic panels. In 2002, Stockton installed a 200 kW fuel cell, which provides just under 10% of the total energy for the campus; Stockton has the lowest energy cost per student among universities in New Jersey. Stockton achieved national LEED certification for its new sustainable design.
Stockton's commitment to environmentally responsible design has resulted in "green" initiatives that have both saved energy and decreased greenhouse gas emissions. These include the development on campus of one of the largest geothermal heating and cooling systems in the world.[39] The geothermal systems incorporate seasonal thermal energy storage so that waste heat or winter cold can be collected when seasonally available and stored for use in the opposing seasons. A borehole thermal energy storage system (BTES) was installed in 1994 and is used for heating the older half of campus, with waste heat collected from air conditioning equipment there.[40] In 1995 a fuel cell and photovoltaic panels were installed buildings to generate energy.
An aquifer thermal energy storage system (ATES), the first of its kind in the United States, began operation in 2008.[41] The ATES system reduces the amount of energy used to cool Stockton's newer buildings by storing the chill of winter air in the water and rock of an underground aquifer, and withdrawing it in the summer for cooling. In 2008, Stockton approved an agreement with Marina Energy LLC for the installation of solar panels on The Big Blue athletic center roof to generate electricity.
As part of the capital plan, Housing V was built in 2009 to accommodate the rising demand for student housing. It incorporates geothermal heating and cooling using closed-loop technology, for a total of 450 tons cooling capacity. To eliminate the possibility of groundwater contamination in the event of a leak, freeze protection is provided in the circulating fluid. The design accommodates future solar thermal heating systems. Sustainable design includes landscaping: upper-story deciduous trees were planted along the south-facing facades of the residence halls to provide shade during the summer months, but allow the warmth of the sun to reach the buildings during the winter. This design received the "Green Project of Distinction" award from Education Design Showcase.[citation needed]
Stockton's next green project was the largest single building project in its history. Designed and built according to the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Gold Standard in sustainable design, the new Campus Center, completed in 2011, provides 153,000 square feet (14,200 m2) of space for dining, bookstore, pool, theater, lounges and offices. It will use 25% less energy than standard construction, and 40% less water. Other features include low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints and coatings. Additional "green" features of the building include a storm water-collection system to irrigate an on-site "rain garden" landscaped with indigenous and adapted plant species. It also has a sophisticated energy management system for heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting.
In 2013, Stockton received approval from the New Jersey Pinelands Commission to administer the state's first comprehensive forest management plan on public land.[42] Stockton actively manages more than 1,500 acres of forest on its campus, benefiting the local wildlife populations, protecting the campus against fire and pathogens and providing recreation such as hiking and wildlife viewing.
Athletics
[edit]
Stockton athletics teams are nicknamed the Ospreys.
- Intercollegiate Sports Include: Men's and Women's Cross Country, Field Hockey, Men's and Women's Soccer, Women's Tennis, Women's Volleyball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Indoor Track & Field, Baseball, Men's and Women's Lacrosse, Women's Rowing, Softball, Women's Golf, and Men's and Women's Outdoor Track & Field.
- The team is part of the NJAC in the majority of sports. In men's lacrosse they compete in the Coastal Lacrosse Conference.
- Intramural Sports Include: Flag Football, Indoor Soccer, Volleyball, Dodgeball, Basketball, Street Hockey, and Softball.
- Club sports include: Bowling, Ice Hockey, Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Table Tennis, Fishing, Men's Rowing, Ultimate Frisbee, Fencing, Men's Volleyball, Co-Ed Weight Training, Quidditch, Golf, Scuba Diving, Co-Ed Tennis, and Esports.
- Stockton also offers a cheerleading squad open to both male and female students. The squad traditionally performs at all home men's and women's basketball games.
Honors
[edit]- Paul Lewis was the NCAA Division III 400-Meter Dash Champion in 1981
- 2001, NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Champions. Coach Jeff Haines was named NCAA Division III "Coach of the Year."
- 2003, Stockton student Kim Marino was NCAA Division III Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Women's Pole Vault Champion and record holder.
- Nine NCAA individual national champions in track & field
- Men's basketball coach Gerry Matthews is the winningest college basketball coach in New Jersey history. Matthews retired from Stockton University before the start of the 2016–2017 season. The basketball court was named "Gerry Matthews Court" in his honor.
- Two Olympic medalists held the position of athletic director at Stockton: Don Bragg (1960 pole vault gold) and G. Larry James (1968 4x400 relay gold and 400-meters silver).
- Paul Klemic was the NCAA Division III Men's Long Jump Champion in 2005 and 2006.[43]
- Tiffany Masuhr was the NCAA Division III Women's Javelin Champion in 2005.[44]
- Men's Basketball advanced to the NCAA Final Four in 1987 and 2009.
- Women's Soccer advanced to and hosted the NCAA Final Four in 1995.
- Men's Soccer advanced to the NCAA Final Four in 1999 and the Elite Eight in 2004.
- Jared Lewis was the NCAA Division III Triple Jump Champion in 2017 and 2018.[45]
Arts
[edit]The Stockton Performing Arts Center offers musical and theater performances for the community, serves as a venue for student productions and performances through the School of Arts and Humanities, and hosts other campus events.
Stockton has had a campus Art Gallery since 1973. Initially located in a classroom-sized space and relocated in 1979 to a former dance studio, the Art Gallery opened in a dedicated exhibition space in January 2012. The Art Gallery exhibits the work of graduating art majors every year in addition to art by local, regional, and nationally known artists.
In 2010, Stockton College entered a partnership with the South Jersey fine arts center Noyes Museum wherein Stockton would supply funds for needed repairs, and Noyes would provide access to their collections to Stockton. The partnership grew, and eventually the Noyes Foundation which ran the museum entirely ceded its assets and control of the museum to Stockton from 2016–2017.[46][47] The original Absecon site was sold and the museum currently has exhibits at Stockton's Kramer Hall in Hammonton, as well as the Noyes Arts Garage in Atlantic City.[48]
Census-designated place
[edit]Stockton University CDP | |
|---|---|
Location in Atlantic County Location in New Jersey | |
| Coordinates: 39°29′20″N 74°32′30″W / +39.4888723°N 74.5416539°W | |
| Country | |
| State | |
| County | Atlantic |
| Area | |
• Total | 1.18 sq mi (3.05 km2) |
| • Land | 1.10 sq mi (2.85 km2) |
| • Water | 0.077 sq mi (0.20 km2) |
| Elevation | 43 ft (13 m) |
| Population | |
• Total | 2,428 |
| • Density | 2,205/sq mi (851.2/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) |
| FIPS code | 34-70984[52] |
| GNIS feature ID | 2806191[53] |
Stockton University CDP is a census-designated place (CDP) covering the residential population of the Stockton University campus in Atlantic County, New Jersey United States.
It first appeared as a census designated place in the 2020 U.S. census[54][55] with a population of 2,428.[56]
Demographics
[edit]| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2,428 | — | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[57] 2020[55][51] | |||
2020 census
[edit]| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2020[55] | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 1,627 | 67.01% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 264 | 10.87% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 8 | 0.03% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 104 | 4.28% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 0 | 0.00% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 78 | 3.21% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 347 | 14.29% |
| Total | 2,428 | 100.00% |
Notable people
[edit]Faculty and staff
[edit]- Stephen Dunn, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Creative Writing, received the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for his collection of poems, Different Hours.
- University President Vera King Farris spoke at the Stockholm International Forum on the Holocaust in 1999, hosted by the Prime Minister of Sweden and attended by 44 national heads of state.[58]
- Larry James (1947–2008), gold medalist at the 1968 Summer Olympics, was athletic director at Stockton for 28 years. In 2007, Stockton's track and soccer facility was named "G. Larry James Stadium" in his honor.[59]
- Bill Lubenow, a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, author and historian, serves as president of the North American Conference on British Studies. Among his many published works are: The Cambridge Apostles, 1820–1914: Liberalism, Imagination, and Friendship in British Intellectual and Professional Life. Cambridge University Press, 1998
- Carol Rittner, Sisters of Mercy RSM, a Distinguished Professor of Holocaust & Genocide Studies, and considered one of the 50 greatest scholars on the Holocaust. She co-produced the Academy Award-nominated film The Courage to Care based on her book of the same name, and has authored or edited over 15 books. Dr. Rittner spoke at the United Nations twice in 2014, on issues involving genocide in Rwanda and the Holocaust.[60]
- David Lester, a Distinguished Professor of Psychology, is one of the world's leading suicidologists. He is a scholar and author adept in many academic disciplines, with over 2,300 publications worldwide.[61]
Alumni
[edit]This section needs additional citations for verification. (August 2018) |
- Aimee Belgard, lawyer, politician, and judge
- Christopher J. Connors, member of the New Jersey Senate
- Sean Curran, 28th director of the United States Secret Service[62]
- Matthew Pratt Guterl, historian and author
- Laurel Hester, police officer whose story was documented in Freeheld (2007), the winner of the Academy Award for Best Short Documentary and the feature film of the same name (2015)
- Harvey Kesselman, fifth president of Stockton University[63]
- Bruce Larkin, children's book author
- Katrina Law actress[64]
- Tim Lenahan, college soccer coach
- Marcus Major, author
- Peter Clive Mundy, developmental psychologist
- Santiago Solari, professional soccer player
Notes
[edit]- ^ The percentage of students who received an income-based federal Pell grant intended for low-income students.
- ^ The percentage of students who are a part of the American middle class at the bare minimum.
References
[edit]- ^ "Office of the President – President's Message". stockton.edu.
- ^ a b Strauss, Robert (September 9, 2001), "BRIEFING: EDUCATION; ATLANTIC CITY BRANCH", The New York Times, retrieved October 12, 2011
- ^ Stockton University Accreditation, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Accessed April 8, 2008.
- ^ jmott. "New Jersey Pinelands Commission – The Pinelands National Reserve". nj.gov.
- ^ D'Amico, Diane (February 16, 2015). "Richard Stockton College awarded university status". The Press of Atlantic City.
- ^ "Stockton University Atlantic City". Stockton University. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
- ^ a b c "Stockton College – Highlights in Our History". Archived October 4, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, 2013. Retrieved on 2013-03-26 from http://intraweb.stockton.edu/eyos/page.cfm?siteID=197&pageID=68.
- ^ "Friends, family remember Farris' faith and dedication", Press of Atlantic City, December 4, 2009, accessed March 26, 2013
- ^ Stockton’s ‘You Make the Difference’ Campaign Raises $25.36 Million, Exceeding Goals Archived July 21, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Stockton completes purchase of Showboat". philly-archives. December 12, 2014. Retrieved May 29, 2015.
- ^ "Stockton's interim head strikes hopeful notes". philly-archives. April 29, 2015. Retrieved May 29, 2015.
- ^ "Amid turmoil, Stockton's acting president drops plan to leave". philly-archives. May 20, 2015. Retrieved May 29, 2015.
- ^ "About the President". Office of the President, Stockton University. Retrieved November 8, 2025.
- ^ "Event Services and Campus Center Operations – Campus Center Operations and Event Services/About the Campus Center". stockton.edu.
- ^ "History - About Stockton University". stockton.edu. Retrieved February 26, 2019.
- ^ "Stockton College closes $20 million Seaview purchase; talks planned with Galloway Twp. on how to make up lost taxes", The Press of Atlantic City, September 1, 2010
- ^ "Dedication of Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism", School of Business, Stockton College of New Jersey, December 13, 2010. Retrieved on 2013-03-26 from http://intraweb.stockton.edu/eyos/page.cfm?siteID=150&pageID=74.
- ^ "Stockton Completes Sale of Seaview Hotel and Golf Club". stockton.edu. Retrieved August 14, 2018.
- ^ "Stockton University in Atlantic City – Atlantic City Gateway – Stockton University". Stockton.edu. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
- ^ D'Amico, Diane (May 5, 2016). "Stockton University plans to purchase former Atlantic City law office". The Press of Atlantic City. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
- ^ "EDA approves $92M in incentives for Stockton, South Inlet projects in A.C. - NJBIZ". NJBiz.com. January 12, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
- ^ Forand, Rebecca (December 12, 2014). "Stockton buys Showboat for $18 million, creating 'Island campus'". South Jersey Times. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
- ^ "Trump Taj Mahal blocking Stockton University move to Showboat, says school president". NJ.com. March 25, 2015. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
- ^ D'Amico, Diane (February 23, 2015). "Stockton empire: Island Campus marks university's biggest conquest". Press of Atlantic City. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
- ^ "Casino workers, students blast Icahn". Philly.com. April 4, 2015. Retrieved May 29, 2015.
- ^ "Stockton President Resigns Over Purchase of Bankrupt Showboat Casino". Philly.com. April 23, 2015. Retrieved May 29, 2015.
- ^ Lai, Jonathan (July 2, 2015). "Straub, Stockton try to get out of Showboat deal". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
- ^ "Stockton sells Showboat to developer, reports former president misled trustees on purchase". September 21, 2015. Retrieved September 21, 2015.
- ^ D'Amico, Diane (January 15, 2016). "Stockton completes Showboat sale, plans for new Island Campus". The Press of Atlantic City. Retrieved November 16, 2016.
- ^ "College Scorecard: Stockton University". College Scorecard. United States Department of Education. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
- ^ Stockton Student Affairs website. Accessed November 3, 2014.
- ^ "About Stockton University Atlantic City - Atlantic City Gateway". stockton.edu. Retrieved February 26, 2019.
- ^ Pries, Allison (July 25, 2020). "N.J. college to use Atlantic City hotel rooms for student housing". NJ.com. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
- ^ "School – Stockton University Academic Buildings (A-N Wings), Pomona" Archived April 13, 2013, at archive.today, photos, Geddes Brecher Qualls Cunningham Architects, at New Jersey Arts, accessed March 26, 2013
- ^ "Arts and Sciences Building, Richard Stockton College" Archived January 18, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, Michael Graves & Associates
- ^ Past Projects: Housing V, Green Project of Distinction Winner, 2008 Archived March 14, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, Education Design Showcase, accessed March 26, 2013
- ^ Press of Atlantic City video Archived October 27, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. Accessed November 3, 2014.
- ^ Writer, CLAIRE LOWE Staff (May 2, 2018). "Stockton University continues expansion with new quad, buildings". Press of Atlantic City. Retrieved September 3, 2019.
- ^ Chrisopherson E.G. (2009). "Green Builders". Documentary, PBS & NJN Public Television.
- ^ Stiles L. (1998). "Underground Thermal Energy Storage in the US" Archived April 8, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. IEA Heat Pump Centre Newsletter 16:2 pp. 22–23.
- ^ Paksoy H., Snijders A., Stiles L. (2009). "Aquifer Thermal Energy Cold Storage System at Richard Stockton College" Archived January 12, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. Effstock Conference – Thermal Energy Storage for Efficiency and Sustainability (11th International Conf.).
- ^ NJ Pinelands Commission Approves First Forest Stewardship Plan in the State on Public Land. Accessed November 3, 2014.
- ^ "All-Athletics.com- Paul Klemic". Archived from the original on August 17, 2017. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
- ^ "Stockton Athletics hall of Fame". Retrieved August 16, 2017.
- ^ "NCAA Track Indoor Champs" (PDF). NCAA.
- ^ Lai, Jonathan (August 17, 2017). "Noyes Museum becomes part of Stockton University". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
- ^ Post, Michelle Brunetti (December 8, 2017). "Noyes Foundation donates last assets to Stockton". The Press of Atlantic City. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
- ^ Dube, Ilene (August 25, 2016). "The Noyes Museum goes to college". WHYY. WHYY. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
- ^ "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
- ^ "Stockton University Census Designated Place". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
- ^ a b "Census Population API". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
- ^ Geographic Codes Lookup for New Jersey, Missouri Census Data Center. Accessed June 9, 2023.
- ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Stockton University Census Designated Place
- ^ "2020 Geography Changes". United States Census Bureau.
- ^ a b c "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Stockton University CDP, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
- ^ "Stockton University CDP, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
- ^ "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decades". US Census Bureau.
- ^ Stockholm International Forum Conference on the Holocaust, The Swedish Government's Human Rights Website Archived July 9, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Litsky, Frank. "G. Larry James, Olympic Gold Medalist, Dies at 61", The New York Times, November 7, 2008. Accessed November 8, 2008.
- ^ Fifty Key Thinkers on the Holocaust and Genocide. Accessed November 3, 2014.
- ^ Stockton Professor Elected President of American Association of Suicidology Archived February 8, 2016, at the Wayback Machine. Accessed November 5, 2014.
- ^ "Director Sean M. Curran". www.secretservice.gov. Retrieved February 19, 2025.
- ^ "Stockton, AC Devco, hold ribbon cutting at oceanfront campus". Downbeach.com. September 20, 2018. Retrieved September 2, 2019.
- ^ "Where are they now?". Stockton University. 2018.
External links
[edit]Stockton University
View on GrokipediaStockton University is a public university located in Galloway Township, New Jersey, approximately 12 miles northwest of Atlantic City.[1] Founded in 1969 as Richard Stockton State College through state legislation allocating funds for a new institution in southern New Jersey, it commenced operations in 1971 initially at the Mayflower Hotel in Atlantic City before relocating to its permanent 2,000-acre campus in the Pine Barrens.[2][3] The institution was renamed Stockton University in 2015 to signify its expansion into graduate education and research endeavors.[4] Enrolling about 7,600 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students as of fall 2024, the university offers programs in arts, sciences, business, education, health sciences, and hospitality, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary curricula and experiential learning opportunities.[1][2] It maintains a suburban setting on expansive grounds that include preserved natural areas, reflecting early commitments to environmental stewardship such as innovative wastewater treatment via spray fields.[1][5] Stockton ranks 158th among national universities and 84th among public institutions in recent U.S. News & World Report assessments, highlighting improvements in academic reputation and student outcomes.[1] The university operates the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy, which recognizes civic contributions and conducts policy research, and has hosted distinguished figures including authors Isaac Asimov and Susan Sontag.[6][7] However, Stockton has encountered significant administrative challenges, notably a 2014-2015 venture to repurpose the former Showboat Atlantic City casino as an educational facility, which incurred substantial losses upon resale and prompted the resignation of President Herman Saatkamp amid accusations of fiscal imprudence.[8] In 2020, the administration initially pursued disciplinary action against a student for political expressions during remote classes, including a Trump image as a Zoom background, but withdrew most charges after external scrutiny from free speech advocates.[9] More recently, in 2024, a staff member filed suit alleging retaliation for reporting misuse of public funds by top executives, underscoring ongoing concerns about governance transparency in public higher education institutions.[10]
History
Founding and Early Development (1969–1980s)
Richard Stockton State College was established through legislation passed by the New Jersey Legislature in 1969, following a public campaign led by Elizabeth Barstow Alton, often called the "founding mother of Stockton," who began advocating for a state college in southern New Jersey in the mid-1960s.[11] The effort gained momentum with support from figures like state Senator Frank "Hap" Farley, who secured inclusion of $15 million in a $202.5 million capital bond issue approved by voters in November 1968.[6] The institution was named for Richard Stockton, a New Jersey signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Richard E. Bjork was appointed its first president in June 1969.[12] A 1,600-acre site in the Pomona section of Galloway Township, within the Pinelands, was selected in October 1969, with ground broken for construction in December 1970.[3] The college opened in September 1971 with an inaugural class of 1,000 students, 97 staff members, and 60 full-time faculty, initially holding classes at the Mayflower Hotel in Atlantic City due to construction delays on the Galloway campus.[12] Operations shifted to the new campus during the December 1971 holiday break, with the first on-campus housing (A-Court) accommodating 128 students by September 1972 and Phase II buildings (F-H Wings) opening in February 1973.[3] The first commencement occurred in June 1973, awarding degrees to 290 students, followed by the graduation of the inaugural four-year class of 475 in June 1975, coinciding with the completion of Phase III construction (through L Wing).[3] The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools granted accreditation in December 1975, affirming the institution's academic standards.[13] Through the late 1970s and 1980s, enrollment expanded beyond 5,000 students, prompting further infrastructure development under presidents Peter M. Mitchell (1979–1983) and Vera King Farris (appointed 1983).[12] Key additions included the Performing Arts Center in October 1976, Housing II in November 1981, the N-Wing College Center in February 1983, and Housing III in December 1986, which positioned Stockton as the most residential public college in New Jersey.[3] These expansions supported growing demand for upper-division education in southern New Jersey, emphasizing interdisciplinary liberal arts programs distinct from traditional state college models.[14]Expansion and Maturation (1990s–2010s)
During the 1990s, The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey underwent a formal name change in 1993 from Stockton State College, reflecting its evolving status and expanded academic scope, while also achieving reaccreditation that affirmed its maturation as a comprehensive institution.[6] [15] By December 1993, the full academic complex of buildings on the Galloway campus became operational, supporting increased programmatic offerings including the introduction of graduate degrees.[6] A 1990 facilities master plan anticipated further development to accommodate rising enrollment, which had already surpassed initial projections and continued to drive infrastructural needs.[16] Enrollment growth persisted into the 2000s, with the institution completing a $33 million expansion of science facilities and a $15 million classroom building on the main Galloway campus to handle expanded academic demands.[17] Graduate programs proliferated, reaching 13 offerings by the mid-2000s with over 850 students enrolled, signaling a shift toward advanced research and professional education.[18] Satellite campuses emerged in locations such as Woodbine and Hammonton to extend access and support regional development, aligning with broader campus footprint expansion amid steady student increases.[19] By the 2010s, cumulative growth in programs, facilities, and enrollment—reaching a record 8,674 students in fall 2015—prompted a petition in 2014 and board approval in February 2015 to redesignate the institution as Stockton University, better capturing its doctoral-level offerings, research initiatives, and infrastructural maturity without altering its core mission.[20] [21] This transition highlighted over two decades of sustained development, including updated master plans in 2010 to address ongoing spatial and programmatic expansions within the Pinelands constraints.[16]Recent Developments (2020s)
In December 2020, the Stockton University Board of Trustees approved the Facilities Master Plan 2020, outlining a long-term strategy for campus expansion in Galloway Township and satellite locations including Woodbine, Manahawkin, Hammonton, and Atlantic City, with projections based on anticipated enrollment growth to support academic and residential needs.[22] This plan emphasized development areas such as the Academic Quad, where new buildings were constructed to enhance science, mathematics, and health sciences programs, extending prior infrastructure investments.[23] Leadership transitions advanced academic administration in the mid-2020s; in February 2024, the Board approved Michael A. Palladino as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, succeeding prior interim roles and aligning with efforts to reshape academic structure under President Joseph Bertolino.[24] By September 2025, the Board endorsed a new university-wide Strategic Plan, prioritizing four pillars: cultivating community belonging, inspiring teaching and learning excellence, fostering innovation in research and workforce development, and ensuring operational sustainability amid flat enrollment and budgetary constraints.[25] [26] The plan included expanded transfer pathways with community colleges like Atlantic Cape, Ocean County, and Brookdale to boost access and retention.[27] In September 2025, U.S. News & World Report ranked Stockton #158 among national universities and #38 for top performers in social mobility, reflecting outcomes in enrolling and graduating Pell Grant recipients, though overall enrollment remained stable without significant growth.[28] The university marked its 10th anniversary as a full university status—elevated from college in 2015—with celebrations highlighting first-generation student support and high-impact experiential learning expansions.[4] A July 2024 feasibility assessment explored further Atlantic City campus growth to accommodate programs in business, hospitality, and social work.[29]Leadership Transitions and Presidents
Richard E. Bjork served as the first president of Stockton State College from 1969 to 1978, overseeing its founding, rapid enrollment growth to approximately 4,000 students, and completion of key main campus facilities.[30] Under his leadership, the institution established its core values and innovative curriculum, with the campus library later renamed the Richard E. Bjork Library in his honor in 2012.[30] Peter M. Mitchell succeeded Bjork as the second president, serving from 1979 to 1983 and focusing on expanding educational programs, enhancing student services, and strengthening the general studies curriculum.[30] His tenure emphasized academic development amid the college's early maturation phase. Vera King Farris became the third president in 1983, holding the position for two decades until 2003—the longest-serving in the institution's history.[30] She drove a 40% enrollment increase from 2,600 to 6,400 students, raised average SAT scores by 22% to 1,150, and introduced six master's programs, including the first U.S. master's in Holocaust and Genocide Studies.[30] Farris retired in 2003, paving the way for the next leadership phase; the main campus road was renamed Vera King Farris Drive in recognition of her contributions.[30] Herman J. Saatkamp, Jr., assumed the presidency in 2003 and served until 2015, during which time funded assets doubled, facilities expanded (including the Campus Center), new schools such as Business and Health Sciences were established, and the institution transitioned to university status in 2015.[30] His resignation, announced in April 2015 and effective September 1, followed controversy over a failed acquisition attempt of the former Showboat Atlantic City casino property for campus expansion, amid financial and strategic setbacks.[8] Saatkamp's departure marked a turbulent transition, with Harvey Kesselman appointed acting president in April 2015, elevated to interim in September, and confirmed as full president in December 2015.[30] Kesselman, a Stockton alumnus, led as the fifth president from 2015 to 2023, advancing health sciences infrastructure, opening the Atlantic City campus in 2018, and prioritizing diversity initiatives and student success metrics.[30] He retired in 2023 and was granted President Emeritus status.[30] Joe Bertolino was selected as the sixth president on March 3, 2023, following a national search, and inaugurated on April 12, 2024, bringing prior experience from Southern Connecticut State University to guide ongoing growth and strategic planning.[31][4]Campus and Facilities
Main Campus in Galloway
The main campus of Stockton University occupies 1,600 acres in Galloway Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey, within the Pinelands National Reserve, establishing it as the largest university campus in the state.[32] Positioned at 101 Vera King Farris Drive, the site leverages its expansive natural surroundings, including preserved woodlands and proximity to the Jersey Shore, to integrate environmental stewardship into campus operations.[33] Development began with initial classes in 1971, transitioning from temporary Atlantic City facilities to permanent structures in Galloway later that year, with subsequent expansions accommodating growing enrollment.[19] Core academic infrastructure centers on a linear "spine" of buildings spanning 671,000 square feet, housing classrooms, science laboratories, visual arts and performing arts studios, specialized program spaces, and faculty offices.[34] Notable facilities include the Performing Arts Center at the campus entrance, supporting theatrical and musical events, and the Campus Center, a hub for student services, dining, and administrative functions completed in 2011.[35] [36] Residential accommodations support over 3,000 students across multiple halls, such as the two-story Chris Gaupp Drive facility designed for 2-3 students per unit, fostering a residential college model.[32] [37] Recreational and athletic amenities feature the Sports Center, with ongoing master planning for expansions to enhance fitness and wellness offerings, alongside trails and open spaces reflective of the Pinelands ecosystem.[38] Sustainability initiatives emphasize low-impact development, including early environmental projects like spray irrigation fields established during the campus's founding era to manage wastewater amid the ecologically sensitive reserve.[5] Current facilities master planning addresses zoning evolution from rural development designations since 1979, incorporating a proposed 1,200-car parking garage and additional academic quadrangle buildings to support projected growth while preserving sensitive areas.[33] [38]Satellite Locations
Stockton University maintains three primary instructional sites beyond its main campus in Galloway Township: the Atlantic City campus, Kramer Hall in Hammonton, and the Manahawkin facility. These locations support undergraduate and graduate coursework, professional development, and community engagement across southern New Jersey counties, including Atlantic, Cape May, and Ocean.[39] The Atlantic City campus, operational since fall 2018, occupies a beachfront site at the intersection of Atlantic, Albany, and Pacific Avenues, adjacent to O'Donnell Memorial Park and the Boardwalk. Developed at a cost of $178.28 million, it features the three-story John F. Scarpa Academic Center—a 56,000-square-foot facility with 14 classrooms, computer labs, faculty offices, and administrative spaces—alongside Kesselman Hall and a residential complex for student housing. The site emphasizes graduate programs, such as the Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership and Master of Social Work, supplemented by service-learning opportunities and shuttle access to the Galloway campus.[40][41][39] Kramer Hall, situated at 30 Front Street in downtown Hammonton, serves as an educational and cultural center approximately 30 minutes from Galloway via Route 30. Equipped with modern classrooms, seminar rooms, and a computer lab, it hosts undergraduate and graduate courses, continuing education, and the New Jersey Child Welfare Training Partnership. The facility also houses the Noyes Museum of Art, fostering community events and exhibitions through January 2026. Free parking is available directly in front of the building, with no permits required.[42][43][39] The Manahawkin site, located at 712 East Bay Avenue in Ocean County, began offering classes in 2012 and expanded in March 2018 by 7,915 square feet into a former Rothman Institute Orthopaedics building. It provides accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, continuing education courses (e.g., knitting, yoga, painting), and community events like nonprofit forums and health education tabling. Specialized facilities include experiential learning spaces, patient exam rooms, and a Foundations of Nursing lab with simulated patients, targeting residents of Ocean, Monmouth, and Burlington Counties. Student lounges and meeting rooms support on-site activities.[44][45][46][39]Infrastructure, Architecture, and Sustainability Efforts
Stockton University's main campus in Galloway Township features 67 buildings encompassing approximately 1,752,935 square feet, with construction beginning in 1969 and continuing through recent developments.[34] The campus infrastructure includes academic facilities, residence halls, and administrative buildings, guided by a Facilities Master Plan that directs property development and utilization.[47] Architectural styles vary, with early structures reflecting modernist principles, later complemented by additions such as a modernist academic building designed to integrate with the original aesthetic.[48] Notable architectural projects include the Arts and Sciences Building, completed in April 1996 at a cost of $9.6 million and designed by architect Michael Graves, which introduced postmodern elements to the campus.[19] The Campus Center, opened in 2012 and designed by KSS Architects in collaboration with VMDO Architects, employs organic, nature-inspired forms to bridge the forested campus edge with surrounding community areas, incorporating durable materials like limestone bases and terra cotta panels in related academic structures.[49][50] The Island Campus residence halls utilize a girder-slab structural system connected by multi-story pedestrian bridges, enhancing connectivity and functionality.[51] In Atlantic City, the Scarpa Academic Center provides 56,000 square feet of space, including classrooms, a cafe, and administrative offices.[52] Sustainability efforts emphasize green design and environmental stewardship, with the university pursuing zero-energy buildings, renewable materials, and alternative energy systems through its Sustainability program in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.[53] The Campus Center achieved LEED Gold certification in 2012 for its efficient energy use, lighting, water conservation, and material selection, featuring elements like rain gardens, water-saving landscaping, natural light maximization, and a geothermal heating/cooling system.[54][55] Broader initiatives include installing efficient equipment in existing buildings, conducting energy audits involving sustainability students, and maintaining a Biodiversity Committee to preserve biological heritage.[56][57][58] The strategic plan targets increased sustainable infrastructure and enhanced sustainability education and research, building on early environmental measures like the 1970s spray fields for wastewater treatment.[59][5]Academics
Academic Programs and Structure
Stockton University structures its academic offerings through a division of seven specialized schools under the oversight of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, which collectively administer undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and individualized study plans.[60][61] The university provides bachelor's degrees in fields such as accounting, biology, business administration, criminal justice, environmental science, nursing, psychology, and social work, alongside master's programs in areas including business studies, criminal justice, education, health sciences, and Holocaust and genocide studies, and select doctoral options like the Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Nursing Practice.[62][63] The School of Arts and Humanities offers programs in disciplines like communication, creative writing, history, literature, music, philosophy, theater, and visual arts, with bachelor's degrees and minors designed to foster critical thinking and cultural analysis.[61] The School of Business delivers undergraduate majors in accounting, business analytics, finance, hospitality and tourism management, and business administration, plus graduate degrees such as the Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Accounting, focusing on practical skills and ethical decision-making.[64][61] The School of Education provides teacher preparation programs leading to bachelor's and master's degrees in early childhood, elementary, secondary, and special education, compliant with New Jersey state certification standards, alongside advanced credentials in educational leadership and instructional technology.[61] The William T. Daly School of General Studies supports foundational coursework and transfer pathways for students pursuing undeclared or exploratory majors, integrating liberal arts requirements with career advising.[61] The School of Health Sciences encompasses undergraduate and graduate programs in exercise science, health science, nursing (including accelerated BSN and DNP tracks), occupational therapy, and public health, with clinical partnerships for hands-on training.[65][61] The School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics administers degrees in applied physics, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental science, geology, marine science, and mathematics, emphasizing research-oriented curricula and field-based learning in coastal ecosystems.[66] The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences covers undergraduate majors in criminal justice, economics, political science, psychology, social work, and sociology/anthropology, with graduate options in criminal justice and social work that incorporate data-driven policy analysis.[67][61] A distinctive feature of Stockton's structure is its promotion of customized majors and concentrations, allowing students to tailor curricula to specific interests, supplemented by accelerated pathways for combined bachelor's/master's or early admission to professional doctoral programs in fields like medicine, pharmacy, and engineering.[62] This flexibility aligns with the university's foundational emphasis on experiential learning modes, where programs integrate internships, co-ops, and capstone projects across disciplines to connect theoretical knowledge with professional application.[63]Admissions, Enrollment, and Student Outcomes
Stockton University's admissions process for first-year undergraduates is test-optional, with standardized test scores considered if submitted.[68] The acceptance rate for the undergraduate class entering in fall 2023 was 88.2%, based on 8,233 admissions from 9,338 applications.[69] Admitted students typically have an average high school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.[70] Among test submitters, the middle 50% SAT range is 1080–1260, and the average ACT score is 23.[71] [72] Total enrollment for the 2023–2024 academic year stood at 8,788 students, comprising 7,812 undergraduates and 976 graduate students.[32] Undergraduate enrollment for fall 2024 was reported at 7,565 students, with a gender distribution of 39.8% male and 60.2% female.[1] Graduate programs saw a 10% enrollment increase from 2023 to 2024, reflecting growing demand for advanced degrees.[73] Student retention and graduation rates indicate moderate success in completion. The full-time undergraduate retention rate after the first year is 77%.[69] The six-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time bachelor's degree seekers is 76%, while the four-year rate is 56%.[74] [75] Post-graduation outcomes show median earnings of $37,285 for alumni one year after completion, with many graduates entering employment or continuing education in fields aligned with their degrees.[76]| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Acceptance Rate (2023) | 88.2% | Data USA |
| Average Admitted GPA | 3.5 | PrepScholar |
| SAT Middle 50% (Submitters) | 1080–1260 | Niche |
| Total Enrollment (2023–2024) | 8,788 | Stockton University |
| Six-Year Graduation Rate | 76% | College Scorecard |
| Median Alumni Earnings (1 Year Post-Grad) | $37,285 | Research.com |
Research Centers and Initiatives
Stockton University maintains a network of specialized research centers and initiatives, primarily emphasizing applied, interdisciplinary studies in environmental science, public policy, aging, and urban development. These entities often collaborate with state agencies, local communities, and industry partners to address regional challenges, such as coastal resilience and demographic shifts in southern New Jersey. Faculty-led labs and centers facilitate undergraduate and graduate research, with funding derived from grants, contracts, and university resources; for instance, the Coastal Research Center has amassed $2,955,521 in total funding as of recent reports, supporting geotechnical analyses and policy-relevant data.[77] The Stockton Center on Successful Aging (SCOSA), established within the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, focuses on enhancing well-being across the lifespan through empirical studies on cognitive health, social engagement, and intergenerational dynamics. It operates labs such as the Lifespan-REACT Lab, which investigates adaptive responses to aging stressors, and the SHINE Lab, examining social health influences on neurocognitive outcomes; these facilities recruit participants for paid studies, including "Aging Over the Rainbow," targeting diverse populations.[78] The SCOSA Research Network connects over 50 faculty, students, and professionals for collaborative projects, prioritizing data-driven interventions over ideological frameworks.[79] Education and service initiatives under SCOSA pair students with community elders for practical fieldwork, yielding publications on evidence-based aging strategies.[80] In environmental research, the Coastal Research Center (CRC), housed in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, delivers contract services for shoreline stabilization, sediment analysis, and erosion modeling along the Jersey Shore. It has executed state government projects, including beach nourishment evaluations and habitat restoration assessments, leveraging on-site facilities for real-time data collection.[77] Complementary initiatives in the same school include the Cannabis and Hemp Research Program, which tests cultivation viability in coastal climates, and a Forest Management Plan for campus woodlands, integrating ecological monitoring with sustainability metrics.[81] Public policy efforts center on the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy, a nonpartisan entity conducting polling, legislative analysis, and civic engagement programs on New Jersey governance. It produces annual reports on state fiscal trends and voter behavior, drawing from surveys of thousands of residents to inform evidence-based recommendations, while hosting forums that emphasize factual debate over partisan narratives.[82] The Stockton Atlantic City Solutions Initiative (SACSI) applies interdisciplinary research to urban revitalization, partnering with local stakeholders on economic modeling, public safety evaluations, and infrastructure planning; outputs include policy briefs and expert testimony grounded in quantitative data from Atlantic City's post-casino decline.[83] Social science research is advanced via the Community-Based Social Research Collaborative (CBSRC), a faculty-driven hub fostering community-engaged projects on topics like migration and behavioral health, utilizing mixed-methods approaches to validate findings against observable outcomes.[84] Additional labs include the Children's Learning Lab, probing developmental cognition, and the Healthy Brain Healthy Mind Research Lab, assessing neural plasticity through neuroimaging.[85] The Refugee Studies Initiative supports cross-disciplinary inquiries into displacement patterns, offering scholarships and events that prioritize causal analyses of migration drivers, such as economic incentives and conflict metrics, over advocacy-driven interpretations.[86] These initiatives collectively underscore Stockton's orientation toward pragmatic, regionally attuned scholarship, though outputs remain subject to standard academic peer scrutiny for methodological rigor.[87]Student Body and Diversity
Demographic Profile
Stockton University recorded a total headcount enrollment of 8,631 students for fall 2024, comprising 7,565 undergraduates and 1,066 graduate students, with undergraduates representing the vast majority of the student body.[2][88] Of the undergraduates, 96.1% were full-time and 3.9% part-time.[88] The undergraduate population skews female, with 4,557 females (60.2%) and 3,008 males (39.8%).[88] This gender distribution aligns with broader patterns at the institution, where females comprised 62% of total enrollment in the prior academic year.[89] Undergraduate enrollment by race and ethnicity for fall 2024 is detailed below:| Race/Ethnicity | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White | 4,297 | 56.8% |
| Hispanic | 1,555 | 20.6% |
| Black or African American | 730 | 9.6% |
| Asian | 555 | 7.3% |
| Unknown | 333 | 4.4% |
| Non-resident alien | 87 | 1.2% |
| American Indian/Alaska Native | 8 | 0.1% |

