GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP - Stockton University has assembled community stakeholders for a new initiative emphasizing the university’s role as a regional Anchor Institution. The formation of a Community Advisory Board will create stronger partnerships with leaders who can provide strategic input into advancing Stockton’s mission and help Stockton to better engage and serve the community, according to Stockton President Joe Bertolino. 

“This diverse group of leaders will serve as a bridge between the university and the region, offering insight and guidance to advance shared goals and keep our finger on the pulse of community needs,” Bertolino said.

The board will focus on five primary goals, including:

1.    Engaging with community stakeholders to help ensure university priorities contribute to the well-being of the community;

2.    Sharing information to provide an understanding of local issues and opportunities;

3.    Providing advice and recommendations to the university to support informed decision-making that positively impacts both the university and the region;

5.    Empowering community members through educational opportunities, events and initiatives.

“Establishing this community-based advisory board is one way Stockton is recommitting to its role as an Anchor Institution,” Bertolino said.

In April 2016, the State of New Jersey designated Stockton University as an Anchor Institution. The decision recognizes Stockton’s impact on Atlantic City and the surrounding region, as well as its potential to contribute to and help stabilize the local economy.

The President’s Community Advisory Board held its first meeting on Jan. 21 at Stockton and will meet once a semester.

Members of the Community Advisory Board are:  

•    Ann Arena, Divisional Vice President, Spencer’s & Spirit

•    Christina Fuentes, Vice President of Community and Business Development, New Jersey Economic Development Authority 

•    Cindy Herdman Ivans, Chief Administration Officer, Center for Family Services 

•    Brian K. Jackson, Vice President for Community Engagement, Stockton  

•    Samantha Kiley, Vice President for Community Health and Social Impact, AtlantiCare Health System, and President, Midtown Community Development Corporation

•    Bert Lopez, Manager of Public Affairs, Atlantic City Electric, and President, Hispanic Association of Atlantic County

•    Perry Mays, Chairperson, Coalition for a Safe Community in Atlantic County 

•    Lauren H. Moore, President, Atlantic County Economic Alliance 

•    Dorrie Papademetriou, Founder, MudGirls Studios  

•    Christian Ragland, Assistant Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, AtlantiCare Health System 

•    Christina Renna, President and CEO, Chamber of Commerce of Southern NJ 

•    Elizabeth C. Terenik, President, Chelsea Economic Development Corporation 

•    Mohammed Zahirul Islam, President, Bangladesh Association of South Jersey