The Power of Public Colleges & Universities Conference

Monday, April 13, 2026 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Campus Center Event Room at Stockton University’s main campus in Galloway, NJ, at 101 Vera King Farris Drive
 
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Join us at Stockton University for the 2nd annual conference on the power of public higher education in New Jersey. This year, panelists will focus on artificial intelligence, workforce development, and public-private partnerships. Our keynote speaker is Senator Joseph P. Cryan, Chair of the Senate Committee on Higher Education.

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It’s critical for us to work together to find solutions to preserve the best of what we do in public higher education. 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. We encourage you to join us, as collaboration is critical for our future success. This conference is hosted by the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy, Office of Government Relations, and President Joe Bertolino at Stockton University, and the Council of New Jersey State College Locals.The conference, which includes breakfast and lunch, is free for attendees.

PROGRAM

8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast

9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Welcome, Opening Remarks, and Keynote Address

Opening: Dr. Joseph Bertolino, Ed.D., President of Stockton University

Keynote Address: Senator Joseph P. Cryan, Chair of the Senate Committee on Higher Education

9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Panel 1: Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education

As artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping work, education, governance, and civic life, this interdisciplinary panel examines the pressing societal and educational challenges AI poses, and how higher education must adapt to meet them. 

Moderator: Alyssa Maurice and Tina Zappile from the Hughes Public Policy Center at Stockton University

Speakers:

  1. Jo-Renee Formicola, Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Public Affairs, Seton Hall University
  2. Kevin Michels, Professor of Interdisciplinary Business and founding Director of the School of Business Center for Innovation and Ethics, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)
  3. Marie Pryor, NJ AI Hub
  4. Gavin Rozzi ‘18 and ‘20, Founding Director, DHCR Data Center at NJ Department of Community Affairs
  5. Gregory Williams, Education Director, NJ AFL-CIO

10:45 a.m. - 11a.m. Break

11a.m. -12 p.m. Panel 2: Workforce Development & Public-Private Partnerships

Partnerships in public higher education take on different forms and purposes. They can increase student opportunities, build community ties, enhance public services, support university funding, enhance professional development for faculty and staff, and provide training for the workforce that meets specific needs in the state. The most meaningful partnerships can provide powerful learning experiences for students, skills training, and economic benefits, enabling institutions of public higher education to fulfill the needs of a rapidly changing workforce.  

Moderator: Michael Egenton, EVP of Government Relations at NJ Chamber of Commerce

Speakers:

  1. Michael Palladino, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Stockton University 
  2. Joseph Youngblood, Chancellor, Kean Global, Kean Ocean, and Strategic Global Initiatives
  3. Jennifer Keyes-Maloney, Executive Director, New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities (NJASCU)
  4. Aaron R. Fichtner, President, New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC)
  5. Michele Siekerka, President and CEO, New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) 

12 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch & Speaker TBD