Stockton News - Dec. 5 2025 - University Relations & Marketing

Stockton News - Dec. 5 2025

WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT

Stockton Board Approves New Contract for President

The Stockton University Board of Trustees approved a new three-year contract for President Joe Bertolino at its December meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

The contract, which includes an option for a one-year extension, begins July 1, 2026. Bertolino became Stockton’s sixth president on July 1, 2023.

“President Bertolino has proven himself to be a steady, compassionate and visionary leader for Stockton University. His deep commitment to student success, inclusive excellence and community partnerships reflect the very best of who we are as an institution,” said Jose Lozano, chair of the university’s Board of Trustees. “The Board of Trustees is proud to reaffirm our confidence in his leadership and to support his continued efforts to boldly write Stockton’s next chapter.”

Celebrate the Holidays with Shows at the Performing Arts Center

The holidays are in full swing at Stockton University’s Performing Arts Center.

Several performances by Stockton’s School of Arts & Humanities and guest artists will take place on the mainstage and in the Campus Center Theatre throughout December.

“The Stockton University Performing Arts Center is thrilled to present a truly festive lineup for December that celebrates the many facets of the holiday season,” said PAC director Anjanette Christy. “With guest artists and student performers sharing their talents across our stage, this season’s variety of performances reflects the rich diversity and spirit of our community — making Stockton’s Performing Arts Center the perfect destination for holiday entertainment this year.”

SPOTLIGHT ON: TRINA L. GIPSON-JONES

This past summer, Trina L. Gipson-Jones, associate professor of Health Science at Stockton, was selected to participate in the prestigious 2025 Fulbright-Hays Short-Term Group Project Abroad (GPA) in South Africa. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, the program brings U.S. scholars abroad to strengthen globally informed curricula through research and cultural exchange.

Led by Serie McDougal of California State LA, in collaboration with Program Coordinator Zama Dlamini, Gipson-Jones joined a small cohort of faculty from institutions across the country, traveling to Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. Before departure, the group completed intensive isiZulu language training, which continued throughout the trip.

In South Africa, they collaborated with faculty and health professionals at universities including the University of Johannesburg, Wits University and the University of Pretoria, engaging in conversations on traditional knowledge systems, community-based care, and culturally grounded health practices. The scholars also visited major cultural and historical sites, including the Origins Centre, Nelson Mandela’s home, the Hector Pieterson Museum, and key Zulu heritage landmarks.

FRAME-WORTHY

Annual Dinner, Awards Ceremony Celebrates Stockton Community

The meaningful, fulfilling and lasting connections that Stockton students have made with their faculty and staff were on display during Nov. 20’s annual Student Faculty and Staff Dinner, a tradition that has endured for over 40 years.

In addition to an evening of good food and camaraderie, the program featured heartfelt speeches by members of the Stockton community.

Students Najmah Laing and Justin Mann provided welcome remarks, praising faculty and staff for the care and dedication they have for the students they educate and inspire and the bonds they have created across campus.

📸View more photos on Flickr.

WHAT'S TRENDING @ #STOCKTONU

Facebook: Just a few of our favorite study spots and the coziest corners on campus. 📚🦅✍🏽

Instagram: What is the value of a 4-year degree?

Your favorite lake's online... have you given @lakefred1969 a follow yet? 👀

FROM THE SIDELINES

Stockton Downs #19 TCNJ 80-64

The men’s basketball team played tough defense to stifle The College of New Jersey by a score of 80-64 on Dec. 3. Tayvon Gaither led four Ospreys in double figures with 18 points for the Ospreys' first NJAC win of the season. The Lions are ranked #19 nationally by d3hoops.com.

The game started out tight as the squads ground out possessions until Stockton took control in the first half. The visitors closed to within four at 24-20 with 5:28 left in the half, but Stockton outscored the Lions 14-5 the rest of the way to take a 38-25 lead at the break. The home team held the Lions to just 9-34 (26.5%) shooting including just 1-15 from behind the arc.

Stockton kept up the pressure in the second half, keeping the lead and not allowing TCNJ to get closer than 14 points the rest of the game, in the 80-64 victory.

Stockton will travel to Wayne on Saturday, Dec. 6, for their next tilt, when the Ospreys face William Paterson University. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.

Three Ospreys Voted NFHCA All-Region

Three field hockey players received all-region honors from the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA). Carlee Thompson and Kirsten Bailey were voted NFHCA All-Region IV First Team. Maura Somers was chosen NFHCA All-Region IV Second Team.

Thompson (2023-25 First Team) and Bailey (2023-24 Second Team, 2025 First Team) collected all region honors from the NFHCA for the third straight year. Somers earned her first all-region accolade in her initial season at Stockton after transferring from Fairfield University. The trio led the Ospreys to an 11-9 record and third place in the NJAC this fall.

Thompson became Stockton's first NJAC Midfielder of the Year and also received NJAC First Team and NFHCA Senior Team honors. She was named NJAC Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 2. Thompson led the Ospreys in goals (12), points (32) and game-winning goals (4), and she also tied Bailey for the team lead in assists (8).

🦅 For more athletics news and upcoming game information, visit here.🦅

OSPREY NOTES

Stockton Partners with ACUE to Drive Student Success

Stockton is announcing a partnership with the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) to equip faculty with evidence-based instructional practices proven to improve student grades, course completion and retention.

Faculty members who complete four comprehensive courses will earn ACUE’s nationally recognized Effective Teaching certification, endorsed by the American Council on Education (ACE), which engages faculty in thoughtfully designed, evidence-based learning experiences that provide practical strategies they can implement immediately.

“Stockton’s partnership with ACUE directly supports our mission to advance student success through teaching excellence,” said Michael Palladino, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Stockton. “Our new strategic plan emphasizes innovation, inclusive learning and academic distinction. By engaging our faculty in evidence-based teaching practices, we’re strengthening the foundation of every student’s experience — ensuring they are supported, challenged and inspired to achieve their fullest potential.”

Cultivating Dignity at Stockton: Video Preview & Dialogue with the Ombuds Officer

Come view and have dialogue facilitated by the University Ombuds Officer around the fourth episode of Cultivating Dignity, a video series educating the community about what it means to honor dignity in the workplace. In an era of culture shift here at Stockton, learn and provide feedback on how we're doing and share with your fellow employees.

The screening is open to all employees and will be held in person from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 in Campus Center Meeting Room 4. A virtual option will be held 1-2 p.m., Dec. 16, on Zoom. Register by emailing ombuds@stockton.edu.

Winter Break Shuttle Schedule

The last full day of shuttle services for both Atlantic City and Galloway is Wednesday, Dec. 17.

For Atlantic City, shuttles will not operate Dec. 18-Jan. 1. Galloway shuttles will not operate Dec. 18-Jan. 18.

Atlantic City shuttles will operate on a modified schedule Jan. 2-19, between the Scarpa Academic Center and A&S only.

For Galloway, Lots 8AB Route will run 5-10 p.m. on Jan. 19.

Full service resumes Tuesday, Jan. 20, for both campuses.

🎨 Need branded templates or logos?

Stockton’s official branded materials are ready for you anytime. Visit the University Relations & Marketing page for downloadable logos, PowerPoint and letterhead templates, email signatures, Zoom backgrounds and other assets designed to keep your work on‑brand and easy to use.

Whether you’re preparing a presentation, hosting an event or updating department materials, the templates make it simple to stay consistent with Stockton’s identity.

Explore everything here.

❄️ Just in time for our first flurry of the season, did you know the snow globe we all shake with delight was invented by accident in Vienna, circa 1900?

A medical instrument maker named Erwin Perzy was trying to improve operating‑room lighting when he filled a glass globe with water and dropped in semolina flakes to reflect light. When the flakes floated like snow, inspiration struck — and the first snow globe was born.

What started as a lighting experiment quickly became a beloved winter classic: miniature winter landscapes, snow‑laden villages, and cozy holiday scenes tucked behind glass. So when you catch that first snowflake today, maybe give a nod to a little Viennese ingenuity that turned water, light and a broken bulb into childhood nostalgia. Cute craft alert if you’re feeling inspired.

POLLING ALL OSPREYS

🦃✨ Okay, Ospreys: the results are in!

Our Thanksgiving poll revealed a clear winner at the holiday table: mashed potatoes, taking the top spot with 38% of the vote. Stuffing wasn’t far behind at 33%, proving carbs have a strong fan base around here.

Pies & sweet treats rounded out the plate with 29%, and apparently no one is wobbling for turkey this year — “Gobble ’til ya wobble” scored 0 votes. 😂

So if you’re planning the perfect Osprey feast: skip the turkey, double the potatoes.