Written for The Argo by Aidan Liptack

On Friday, January 27th, a Q&A forum was held in the Campus Center Theatre for one of three potential Stockton Presidential candidates, Dr. Frank A. Sanchez. Dr. Sanchez served as the President of Rhode Island University from 2016-2022 and the Vice Chairman of Student Affairs at The City University of New York. Sanchez has advocated for diversity and inclusion in higher education since his experience as a student at the University of Nebraska in the 1980s. He hopes to continue this advocacy with Stockton’s own growing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. 

One of the things that stuck out to Sanchez most about Stockton was “the student energy.” He claimed that “…There is a sense that Stockton has become a first choice institution for students not just in South Jersey but from across the state.” He added that he “overheard this theme of momentum and growth.” This momentum and growth can be seen in the expansion of facilities at both the Galloway and Atlantic City campuses, such as the new Multicultural Center on the Galloway campus and the planned additions to the Atlantic City campus.

When it came to comparing research he had done online to how it felt to set foot on the property itself, Sanchez expressed that “Being able to put your eyes on the campus and the community here, this is just a stunning campus.”

“Stockton has embraced this notion that it is an anchor institution. We’re gonna get out there, in the community, service projects, interning, and get our students engaged through hands-on learning,” said Sanchez.

Dr. Sanchez hopes that the future Stockton President continues to help grow the institution, particularly in its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. After the interview, the floor was open to questions from the audience until the forum concluded at 2:00 p.m. Forums will be held for two more candidates on Tuesday, January 31st, and Friday, February 3rd. Details about the other candidates will be announced by Student Senate President Brianna Bracey.