About the Hughes Center

Mission and Activities

The William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University is a nonpartisan research center dedicated to analyzing New Jersey politics and public policy. The Center advances Stockton’s mission as a leader in public higher education by fostering civic engagement, conducting research, and facilitating informed discussions on key issues.

The Hughes Center’s core activities include:

Public opinion polling on elections, policy, and political trends
Policy research to inform decision-makers and the public
Public event series featuring prominent speakers
Election debates and forums to connect voters with candidates
Podcast series on timely policy issues and debates

Through these initiatives, the Hughes Center enhances Stockton University’s visibility beyond Southern New Jersey, attracting notable speakers and media recognition in major national outlets.

Public Speaker Series

The Hughes Center hosts public events featuring influential voices from New Jersey and beyond, including policymakers, public service advocates, journalists, and media professionals. Supported by donors and Stockton University, these free events promote civic dialogue and community engagement.

We welcome speaker suggestions and collaboration opportunities with organizations and individuals committed to public policy and civic engagement.

Civic Engagement and Leadership in New Jersey

The Hughes Center fosters civic engagement through partnerships and programs such as:

Hosting election debates that connect voters with candidates at local, state, and national levels.
Recognizing civic leadership through a biannual Hughes Center Honors event celebrating public service in New Jersey.
Collaborating with organizations like the American Association for State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) to advance democratic participation of students and community members.

An Advisory Board of prominent regional leaders provides strategic guidance and broad community support.

Polling and Research on Elections, Political Trends, and Policy

The Stockton Polling Institute at the Hughes Center conducts independent public opinion polling on:

New Jersey voter behavior and turnout trends
Election analysis and political dynamics
Salient policy issues affecting the public and key stakeholders

Through its research services, the Center also supports faculty research through its Public Policy Research Fellows program, offering funding for projects aligned with its mission. Additionally, the Hughes Center is available for contracted research services for government agencies and private clients.

Founding and Support

The establishment of the Hughes Center was marked by Stockton University’s first $1 million endowment, announced at its dedication on May 22, 2008. This endowment was the culmination of a successful fundraising effort, demonstrating public support for the Center’s mission. Since its inception, the Hughes Center has exceeded expectations, becoming a respected conduit for public opinion and a voice for South Jersey in public policy matters.

Legacy of William J. Hughes

The Hughes Center was named for the late Ambassador William J. Hughes of Ocean City, whose distinguished career included service in the U.S. House of Representatives, as Ambassador to Panama, and as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at Stockton University. Ambassador Hughes was a native of southern New Jersey, and his career in public service spanned over 50 years, dedicated to the prosperity and freedom of the American people.

Throughout his career, Bill Hughes sponsored numerous projects and initiatives to create jobs, protect the environment, and improve the quality of life in southern New Jersey. Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives for two decades, he was a prominent leader as Chairman of various subcommittees, focusing on crime, retirement income and employment, intellectual property, and judicial administration. Bill Hughes was instrumental in sponsoring legislation to prohibit ocean dumping, protect beaches, enhance the region’s tourism industry, and coauthored the historic legislation that established New Jersey’s Pinelands National Reserve.