Galloway, N.J. —  Kelly Oquist, director of Academic Finance at Stockton University, has been selected for the National Association of College and University Business Officers’ 2026–27 Emerging Leaders Program.

Oquist is one of 76 higher education business professionals from across the country chosen for the leadership development experience. The program focuses on strengthening participants’ leadership skills, examining the changing landscape of higher education and building a national network of colleagues.

Oquist, who has worked at Stockton since 2001 and recently completed her MBA, sees the opportunity as recognition of what she has accomplished and a chance to keep growing at the institution where she has built her career.

In the following interview, Oquist discusses the collaborative work behind academic finance, what she hopes to bring back to Stockton and why recipes have no authority in her kitchen.

 

What drew you to the program at this point in your career?

I was drawn to the Emerging Leaders Program because of its focus on leadership development, collaboration and the changing role of finance in higher education. Having recently completed my MBA, this felt like the right time to continue strengthening my leadership skills and learning from higher education colleagues across the country.

 

What did it mean to you to learn you had been selected for the program?

I was genuinely honored and excited to learn that I had been selected as one of 76 participants nationwide. I have worked at Stockton since 2001, so this opportunity is especially meaningful to me. It represents recognition of the experience I have gained throughout my career as well as an opportunity to continue growing and contributing to an institution that has been such an important part of my professional journey.

 

What are you most hoping to learn or strengthen through the experience?

I am most interested in strengthening my leadership skills, expanding my understanding of the challenges facing higher education and learning how other institutions approach financial and operational decision-making. I am also looking forward to building relationships with colleagues who bring different experiences and perspectives to this work.

 

Why are cross-campus relationships important in your role?

Cross-campus relationships are especially important because my role is unique at Stockton. I am the only person who performs this specific work for Academic Affairs. I regularly collaborate with Stockton’s schools and departments as well as colleagues in Administration and Finance, Payroll, Human Resources, Information Technology and other administrative areas.

Building strong relationships allows us to communicate effectively, resolve issues collaboratively and make informed decisions that support Stockton’s academic priorities and overall mission.

 

How do you hope to apply what you learn to your work at Stockton?

I hope to bring back new ideas and practical strategies that will strengthen collaboration, improve processes and support thoughtful financial decision-making within Academic Affairs. I also hope to share what I learn with colleagues and apply it to current initiatives involving faculty workload management, budgeting and long-term academic planning.

 

What does your role here involve, and what do you enjoy most about it?

My role involves overseeing and coordinating a broad range of financial and operational functions within Academic Affairs, including operating budgets, faculty workload and compensation, course scheduling and financial planning. I also serve as a liaison among Stockton’s schools and many administrative offices across the university.

What I enjoy most is the collaborative nature of the work. Every day is different, and I value the opportunity to help colleagues solve problems, improve processes and ensure our resources are aligned with Stockton’s academic mission and priorities.

 

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

People may be surprised to learn that I never follow recipes when I cook.

Reported by Mandee McCullough

Photo submitted