Galloway, N.J. — Stockton University recently named Martha “Marty” Wygmans as Vice President for Student Affairs. Wygmans brings more than 30 years of experience and passion for student success in higher education.

Wygmans comes to Stockton with a background that spans community colleges, private institutions and public universities, most recently at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. She is known for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to inclusive campus environments.

She oversees a broad array of departments, each essential to the student experience at Stockton. This includes residential life, athletics and student engagement. She began her role on Jan. 5.

“I’m always looking for the people who need just a little bit extra,” Wygmans said. “I was a first-generation student, so those experiences have influenced my trajectory and what I do with people.”

As she steps into her new role, she said her immediate focus is on building relationships across campus.

“My top two priorities are getting to know the students and getting to know the people I work with,” she said. "Once I understand who our students are, what they need and what they hope for, we can develop programming and initiatives that truly meet the needs of Stockton students today.”

Wygmans said she has been struck by the campus community’s commitment.

“There’s a lot of heart and talent here,” she said.

One of the moments that stood out most to her occurred before she had been appointed to her new position.

“What really impressed me was when I was getting ready to start [the interview] with the students, there were many students in the room. Their questions were so thoughtful. And when I answered, they had great follow up. It was a conversation.”

Wygmans said she is energized to join Stockton at a time when much of the university’s senior leadership team is relatively new.

“I love change,” she said. “With a new leadership team…we are going to come together and look at where we are to see how we can efficiently and effectively move our agenda forward to improve student outcomes and strengthen Stockton’s recognition.”

Throughout her career, Wygmans said it is the long-term relationships with students that have been the most meaningful.

“I still have students that call me years later,” she said, gesturing to a card she had on her desk. The card congratulated her on her new position and was signed by a student she had worked with nearly two decades ago. “There are so many students who touch my heart.”

Graduation ceremonies, she added, remain one of the most emotional moments of each academic year.

“I cry at every graduation,” Wygmans said. “Even if I didn’t know the students personally, I love hearing their families cheer. There’s a culminating moment where I just feel so blessed to be part of a student’s journey in some small way.”

Wygmans earned her Doctor of Education from George Washington University, bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Siena Heights University and an associate degree from Alpena Community College.

-- Story by Abbigail Erbacher