Message to the Stockton Community from President Bertolino
This is a defining moment for Stockton.
We are living through a time of real transformation. The world looks different than it did five years ago and so does higher education. The students we serve, the communities we work with, and the challenges we face continue to evolve.
We are emerging from a period that has reshaped how we live, how we learn, and how we connect. The pandemic did not just disrupt. It accelerated change in technology, in student expectations, and in how people view higher education.
In this moment, standing still is not an option. But neither is losing sight of who we are.
We remain a community grounded in an Ethic of Care. That care is not passive. It is practiced. We treat every person with dignity and respect.
We lead with kindness and compassion. We listen with intention. We act with civility. And we support one another through challenge and change.
This strategic plan is built on that foundation. It is not a slogan. It is not a list of promises. It is a commitment. A living document that reflects where we are, what we value, and where we need to go.
This is my vision for Stockton:
We will prepare students to turn their passions into professions. Our graduates will leave ready to contribute to their communities and lead with purpose.
We will be known for innovation that serves people. Not innovation for its own sake, but innovation that keeps education accessible, programs relevant, and opportunity within reach.
We will remain learner- and people-centered. Stockton will be a place where all perspectives are welcomed, and every individual feels seen and supported.
We will stay grounded in the liberal arts. That means giving students the tools to think critically, communicate clearly, and adapt in a world that is constantly changing.
We will strengthen our role as South Jersey’s anchor institution, deepening our connection to the region while embracing our responsibility to engage with the issues that shape our state and our nation.
Through this plan, Stockton will serve not only as a center of learning but also as a convener, a partner, and a force for progress on challenges that matter, from educational access and public health to environmental resilience and civic leadership.
We will strengthen supports for first-generation students and for students with financial
need, reducing gaps among student populations and positioning Stockton as a national
model for student success.
To bring this vision to life, the Stockton community came together and developed a
plan that will help us make impactful decisions, address real challenges, and build
a shared future. What emerged is a clear and thoughtful roadmap created by the people
who know Stockton best. Students. Faculty. Staff. Alumni. Partners from across the
region. Their voices shaped every part of this work.
This strategic plan focuses on five priorities:
- We will foster a campus culture rooted in care and inclusion
- We will support a teacher-scholar model that links faculty research to student learning.
- We will practice responsible stewardship of our finances, facilities, and environment.
- We will ensure student success through clear pathways, strong advising, and meaningful opportunities.
- We will deepen our community engagement and expand Stockton’s reach and impact.
This plan will guide how we set goals, invest resources, and measure progress. It will evolve with us, and it will hold us accountable to our mission.
We are not changing who we are. We are sharpening our focus on what matters most.
And we are doing it together.
Let us move forward with clarity, courage, and care.
