About the Hughes Center

Mission and Activities

The William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University serves as a catalyst for research on public policy and economic issues facing southern New Jersey. The Center provides a forum for public discussion of policy issues to engage citizens and policymakers, frame policy issues in a manner that encourages broader civic engagement, and strengthen the voice of Southern New Jersey in public debate. The Center enjoys broad regional support embodied in an Advisory Board of prominent citizens throughout the region.

The Center sponsors research projects designed to educate New Jersey residents and policymakers about environmental resources, community development, and citizen engagement. These projects incorporate the expertise of faculty leaders at Stockton University in collaboration with members of the Hughes Center to inspire broader citizen engagement and more effective participation in public policy matters. The Center welcomes opportunities to collaborate with organizations and individuals who lead similar initiatives or wish to engage in a partnership.

Impact and Outreach

The Hughes Center’s activities include public opinion polling, policy research, public lecture series, and candidate debates. These efforts bring the name and reputation of Stockton University to areas beyond the Southern New Jersey region. The Center has attracted notable speakers and has been featured in major national newspapers and television programs, highlighting its impact and reach.

Founding and Support

The establishment of the Hughes Center was marked by Stockton University’s first $1 million endowment, announced at its dedication on May 22, 2008. This endowment was the culmination of a successful fundraising effort, demonstrating public support for the Center’s mission. Since its inception, the Hughes Center has exceeded expectations, becoming a respected conduit for public opinion and a voice for South Jersey in public policy matters.

Legacy of William J. Hughes

The Hughes Center was named for the late Ambassador William J. Hughes of Ocean City, whose distinguished career included service in the U.S. House of Representatives, as Ambassador to Panama, and as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at Stockton University. Ambassador Hughes was a native of southern New Jersey, and his career in public service spanned over 50 years, dedicated to the prosperity and freedom of the American people.

Throughout his career, Bill Hughes sponsored numerous projects and initiatives to create jobs, protect the environment, and improve the quality of life in southern New Jersey. Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives for two decades, he was a prominent leader as Chairman of various subcommittees, focusing on crime, retirement income and employment, intellectual property, and judicial administration. Bill Hughes was instrumental in sponsoring legislation to prohibit ocean dumping, protect beaches, enhance the region’s tourism industry, and coauthored the historic legislation that established New Jersey’s Pinelands National Reserve.