Stockton News - May 8, 2026
WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT
Stockton, AtlantiCare Partner on Health Education Expansion
AtlantiCare and Stockton University on May 7 announced a new strategic alliance to establish the Stockton-AtlantiCare College of Community Health in Atlantic City, advancing a shared vision to expand healthcare education, strengthen career pathways and improve community health across southeastern New Jersey.
The alliance brings together two of the region’s leading anchor institutions with a shared belief that stronger communities begin with healthier people and greater access to opportunity.
Through the Stockton-AtlantiCare College of Community Health, AtlantiCare and Stockton are aligning education, clinical care and workforce development to prepare more healthcare professionals, open new doors for students and working adults, and improve lives across the region.
“This is a proud moment for AtlantiCare because it reflects the work we are doing to build a stronger healthcare future,” said Michael Charlton, President and CEO of AtlantiCare. “That future depends on people, and we have a responsibility to help prepare the workforce this region will need. Through this alliance with Stockton University, we can help more students and professionals learn here, train here and build careers here, strengthening the communities they call home. When education and care are connected, we strengthen the workforce, improve access for patients and support the long-term health of this region.”
To help bring that vision to life, AtlantiCare has committed an initial amount of $15 million to Stockton in support of academic programming, workforce initiatives and other efforts that advance the shared goals of the alliance.
11 Faculty and Staff Members Receive OSPREY Awards
Eleven faculty and staff members were recognized for their remarkable achievements both on and off the Stockton campuses on May 7 at the third annual OSPREY Awards.
The awards, held in the Sports Center, are determined by a panel of staff and faculty and nominations are made by the entire Stockton community. The awards highlight excellence in scholarship, research, university service and community impact.
“There is something powerful about being recognized not from the top down, but by the colleagues who work alongside you every day,” said Board of Trustees Chair Jose Lozano ’03. “Your peers see your heart, your hustle, and your impact in ways that no title or tenure can fully capture. To be nominated, let alone honored, is a true testament to the difference you make.”
Honorees included Alysia Goyer (Faculty Change Agent Award), Neil Aaronson (Faculty Community Engagement Award), Naz Onel and Daniel Ki (Faculty Innovation Awards), David Reiser (Faculty Unsung Hero Award, nominated by students), Danielle Martin (Staff Change Agent Award), Dan Wright (Staff Community Engagement Award), Karen Lutgen (Consider It Done Administrative Professional Award), Raymond Edwards (Pride of Stockton Award), Brian Pluchino (Staff Top Osprey Award) and Roland Regos (Staff Unsung Hero Award, nominated by students).
📸View more photos on Flickr.
STOCKTON UNIVERSITY ATLANTIC CITY
Top Dog: Stockton K-9 Team Wins National Title at Home
Stockton Police Chief Tracy Stuart and her K-9 partner, Freya, made what could be their final national competition together one to remember.
The duo won the explosives detection division at the United States Police Canine Association’s 2026 National Detector Dog Trials with a perfect score this week at Harrah’s Atlantic City.
“It doesn’t quite feel real, to be honest,” Stuart said. “Dreams do come true. It’s beautiful to really have that reinforcement of the fact that preparation really does pay off.”
It’s the second time that Stuart and Freya, a 10-year-old golden retriever, have won a national title, their last coming in 2022 in Georgia. But this year’s was even more special as Stockton hosted the trials. Stuart said Stockton hosted the 2018 competition on campus, but this year’s event was relocated to Harrah’s because classes are still in session.
“It was great to have the ability to showcase Stockton and the great city of Atlantic City, where Stockton also has a campus,” she said. “I think the university endeavors to support worthwhile causes, and I like to know that they are acknowledging the importance of resources that provide safety and security, not just for our university population, which is paramount, but also for the community at large. We want the public to know that safety is important to the university.”
More than 100 law enforcement agencies across the country from places as far away as Texas and Oregon sent teams to Atlantic City to compete.
📸View more photos on Flickr.
In the News:6ABC Action News, NBC10 Philadelphia
WHAT'S TRENDING @ #STOCKTONU
TikTok: In case you needed another spot to find 😏
Instagram: Summer at Stockton just hits different 🌞 We asked Stockton students to settle some South Jersey debates.
Facebook: Ready for a new chapter? Our Transfer Open House is your chance to get to know Stockton, connect with staff, and see how you can #SoarHigher. 💙🦅
FROM THE SIDELINES
Fogg Receives NJAC Award; Fogg & Nelson Earn All-Conference Honors
The men's track & field teammates Ahmad Fogg and Bryant Nelsonreceived NJAC honors for the 2026 outdoor season. Fogg was voted NJAC Outstanding Field Athlete for the second straight year.
Fogg earned NJAC First Team honors in the long jump and NJAC Honorable Mention in the triple jump. Nelson, a freshman, received NJAC Second Team recognition in the triple jump. All-conference honors are determined by performances at the NJAC Championships.
Fogg has now received four NJAC season awards, including NJAC Most Outstanding Athlete for the 2026 indoor season and NJAC Outstanding Field Athlete honors for the 2025 indoor, 2025 outdoor and 2026 outdoor seasons.
At the NJAC Championships, Fogg won the long jump with a distance of 7.43 meters, moving him to third in NCAA Division III. He also placed third in the triple jump with a mark of 13.91 meters. Fogg has now earned four straight NJAC First Team honors in the long jump and four career all-conference honors in the triple jump.
Nelson finished second out of 12 competitors in the triple jump with a distance of 14.69 meters, which ranks 13th nationally in Division III. The performance earned the freshman his first career all-conference honor after also being named NJAC Rookie of the Week on March 30.
Stockton finished fourth out of nine teams at the NJAC Championships, held May 2-3 at Ramapo College, with 75.33 points.
Kim Marino Inducted into USTFCCCA Division III Hall of Fame
Two-time NCAA national pole vault champion and Stockton Athletics Hall of Famer Kim Marino was one of six inductees in the 2026 class of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) NCAA Division III Athlete Hall of Fame.
Marino earned a total of five All-American honors and two national titles in the pole vault while competing for Stockton in indoor and outdoor track & field. She became Stockton's first female track & field All-American in 2002 and won national titles in the pole vault at the 2003 NCAA indoor and outdoor meets.
Marino cleared 4.09 meters in 2004, setting an NCAA Division III record and becoming the first woman to surpass four meters indoors. Overall, Marino set four NCAA Division III records during her career. She established indoor and outdoor DIII marks and set NCAA Championship meet records indoors and outdoors.
🦅 For more athletics news and upcoming game information, visit here.🦅
STOCKTON SITES & CENTERS
Poll: Most N.J. Voters Would Support Local Data Center Bans
A majority of New Jersey voters are concerned about the growth of artificial intelligence data centers and 56% would support banning them in their own communities, according to a Stockton poll released May 5 by the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University.
New Jersey voters remain wary of growing reliance on AI and expect labor market disruptions as the AI boom accelerates. Nearly 3 in 4 voters (74%) think AI will eliminate more jobs than it will create, while just 7% believe it will create more jobs than it eliminates, and 13% think it will have little to no impact either way.
A plurality of 41% of voters believe society’s increased use of AI will make their lives worse. That rate was 36% in a 2024 Stockton poll of New Jersey residents. More than one-fourth (27%) think the increased use of AI will make their lives better, while 18% think it will have little to no impact.
LIGHT report: A.C. Casinos a Leading Economic Driver in Region
The Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality & Tourism (LIGHT) at Stockton University — in collaboration with the Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) — released its third annual report titled “2025 Impact: Atlantic City Casino Industry.” According to the report, despite the challenges of the current environment, the Atlantic City casino industry continues to power the regional economy — supporting jobs, growth and investment — and serves as a vital community partner through significant charitable giving.
“Atlantic City’s gaming industry demonstrated resilience and momentum in 2025,” said Jane Bokunewicz, faculty director of LIGHT at Stockton University. “Record-setting growth in internet gaming generated vital tax revenue for programs supporting seniors and people with disabilities, while the return of major events brought renewed energy to the city’s economy. Even as traditional gaming remained flat and operators navigated rising costs, casinos continued to invest in new amenities and experiences—positioning Atlantic City for long-term growth and continued revitalization ahead of expanded competition in the region.”
Kramer Hall Hosts Atlantic County Teen Arts Festival, Welcomes Nearly 1,800 Students
Stockton’s Kramer Hall in Hammonton served as a central hub for the 2026 Atlantic County Teen Arts Festival on Wednesday, May 6. Nearly 1,800 middle and high school students from across Atlantic County gathered for a day celebrating youth creativity and artistic expression. Throughout the day, students explored artistic offerings across downtown Hammonton, with workshops, performances and exhibits throughout the vibrant arts district.
Kramer Hall once again hosted visual art displays, literary sessions, film adjudications and classes. Christina Birchler and Nick Zebrowski from Kramer Hall and Michael Cagno from the Noyes Museum of Art played key roles in coordinating Kramer Hall’s activities during the festival, helping create an engaging and welcoming experience for participants. Outside, students participated in a rubber stamp carving activity with the Noyes Museum of Art, enjoyed a performance by ZacRunMusic or grabbed lunch from the Tacos Al Carbon food truck. Stockton Admissions was also on site, with Grace Hind meeting prospective Ospreys while Talon made a special visit with students throughout the day.
This annual event is a collaborative effort between Kramer Hall, the Noyes Museum of Art, the Atlantic County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, the Town of Hammonton, MainStreet Hammonton, the Hammonton Police Department and local arts partners, underscoring Stockton’s continued investment in community engagement, education and the arts in Hammonton and beyond.
OSPREY NOTES
HERO of the Year Turns Choice into Lifesaving Habit
Maria “Mia” Dixon has a simple policy when she’s out with friends: She drives.
Not because she drew the short straw or expects anything in return, but because it’s the easiest way to make sure everyone gets home.
“I’d rather be the person who stays sober than risk something happening to my friends,” said Dixon, a Stockton senior from Palmyra. “Being sober is something I’m willing to do if it means everyone gets home safe.”
That habit earned Dixon the 2026 HERO of the Year award from the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers. A Business Administration major and former Panhellenic president, she is the 16th Stockton student to receive the honor through the university’s partnership with the campaign.
Her image will appear on campus signage and a billboard along the Atlantic City Expressway as part of the campaign’s public awareness efforts.
The nomination came from her peers.
“It’s not something I ever did for recognition,” Dixon said. “So being acknowledged by others makes it even more meaningful.”
Fun Fact Friday: National Public Gardens Day
Spending time in green spaces has been linked to reduced stress and improved well-being. Sounds like a good excuse for a campus walk today.
Check out some history and ways to celebrate the day.
POLLING ALL OSPREYS
What is your top commencement must-have? 🎓 Coffee, sunglasses, comfy shoes, a fully charged phone or tissues?
UPCOMING EVENTS
Stockton’s Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Celebrations
💻 Professional Development Opportunities
🖼️ Art Exhibits hosted by the Noyes Museum of Art
Now-May 22:"What Does it Mean to be an American" exhibit
May 8-13: Grad Send-Off Events
✨ May 12:Doctoral and Master's Commencement
🎉 May 15:Undergraduate Commencement
May 20:Transfer Open House, Democratic 2nd Congressional District Debate, Factors that Impact Financial Aid
May 27:Jersey Shorecast
June 3-5:Second Biennial Mid-Atlantic Intergenerational Conference
