Cape May Court House, N.J. — The Cape May County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation and Stockton University have announced an innovative partnership designed to provide Leadership Cape May graduates with the opportunity to earn college credits toward a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Current participants and alumni who complete coursework in the foundation’s Leadership Cape May County program and then enroll in Stockton University’s MBA or Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration and Leadership programs will earn three college credits and fulfill elective requirements needed for their degree.

“This innovative partnership aligns with the foundation’s goals and broadens our commitment to provide exceptional opportunities for the county’s citizens, from high school graduates to emerging leaders in business and nonprofits,” said Laura Bishop, president of the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

“It’s been rewarding to partner with Dr. Diener and Dr. Adelizzi-Schmidt from Stockton to take Leadership Cape May County to a new level,” Bishop said. “We’re in this for the long term and look forward to working together for years to come.”

With the entry into Stockton’s MBA program, graduates of the Leadership Cape May County program will only need 33 credit hours to graduate instead of the traditional 36.  They will also benefit from a streamlined application process and other perks associated with admission to the MBA program.

“It’s great for Stockton to be involved with Cape May County and work with the chamber to develop this program. This partnership is really beneficial for both of us,” said Keith Diener, an associate professor of Business Law and Ethics at Stockton and the chair of the university’s MBA program. “From this collaboration, the MBA program is positioned to get really good people who already have training and practical experience from local businesses. We are really excited about it.”

Founded in 2017, Leadership Cape May County combines classroom learning with field experience to develop the skills of business, community and civic leaders. The nine-month program aims to develop workplace culture, conflict resolution and public speaking. Students participate in highly interactive lessons, do collaborative work, develop a professional skill set and obtain valuable insight from a variety of business and community leaders.

“I’m very excited for this partnership and the educational opportunity it gives students in the Leadership Cape May County program,” said Barbara Stafford Jones, president of the Cape May County Chamber. “This partnership also recognizes the caliber of the leadership program, which has grown phenomenally over the years.”

Dr. Susan Adelizzi-Schmidt, president of Suasion Communications Group and an adjunct faculty professor at Stockton’s School of Business, has been an instructor for Leadership Cape May County since its inception

“It is a delight to see everyone work together and make this partnership happen,” Adelizzi-Schmidt said. “The partnership creates a pathway for emerging leaders to continue their education and their evolution as working professionals.”

Chris Oney, curriculum consultant for Leadership Cape May County, has helped the program expand to include more acclaimed speakers and real-world experiences relating to professional leadership and the county’s history, businesses, culture and ecosystem.

“I’m very proud of the partnership and Leadership Cape May County,” said Oney, a graduate of the program. “Together, the chamber Education Foundation and Stockton University are taking the next step in the program’s development, and providing more career and leadership opportunities for the county’s residents and businesses.”

For more information about Leadership Cape May County, visit capemaycountychamber.com/main/leadership-cape-may-county.

The Cape May County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation was formed in 2015 to support, enhance, and promote educational and training programs that develop the skills, knowledge, and leadership of our local professionals and youth. For more information, visit capemaycountychamber.com.