Galloway, N.J. – Stockton University will host a second annual conference on the power of public higher education in New Jersey on Monday, April 13 on its Galloway campus.

This year’s Power of Public Colleges & Universities conference will focus on “Driving Innovation, Workforce and Partnerships for New Jersey’s Future” and will feature a keynote address by state Sen. Joseph P. Cryan, chair of the Senate Committee on Higher Education and a conversation with Margo Chaly, the New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education.

The conference is hosted by the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University, Stockton’s Office of Government Relations, Stockton President Joe Bertolino and the Council of New Jersey State College Locals.

“It’s critical for us to work together to find solutions to preserve the best of what we do in public higher education,” said Tina Zappile, the director of the Hughes Center. “Our institutions provide access to high-quality education for thousands of New Jersey residents each year. We are deeply invested in the success of our cities, suburbs, shore communities and rural areas, like the Pinelands.”

Two panel discussions will also be held at the conference – one on artificial intelligence in higher education and the other on workforce development and public-private partnerships. The AI panel will examine the pressing societal and educational challenges AI poses, and how higher education must adapt to meet them. 

The workforce panel will discuss how partnerships in higher education can increase student opportunities, build community ties, enhance public services, support university funding, augment professional development for faculty and staff and provide training for the workforce that meets specific needs in the state.

The conference, which includes breakfast and lunch, is free for attendees and will take place in the university's Campus Center Event Room. Registration is online.