04/14/2026
IN THE NEWS: Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional and Stockton University announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a formal academic-clinical collaboration designed to expand educational opportunities and help meet the growing demand for a highly skilled nursing workforce in southern New Jersey.
“As the leading academic health system in the region, educating the next generation of medical professionals is an integral part of our mission,” said George E. Norcross III, chairman of Cooper University Health Care. “Partnering with Stockton University, we are investing in the future of nursing and the health care workforce in the Jersey shore communities we serve.”
“At Stockton, our mission is rooted in service to our region,” said Stockton University President Joe Bertolino, EdD. “This partnership with Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional strengthens that commitment by opening doors for aspiring and current health care professionals while directly supporting the health and well-being of our local communities.”
The agreement creates new pathways for all eligible Cooper University Health Care team members at all locations to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees at Stockton University, including a 20% tuition discount per credit. The academic partnership is focused on workforce development, career advancement, and long-term recruitment and retention of nursing professionals in the region.
“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to investing in our workforce and ensuring high-quality patient care for the communities we serve,” said Kathy Devine, DrNP, RN, NEA-BC, senior vice president and chief nursing executive for Cooper University Health Care. “By making advanced education more accessible and affordable, we are strengthening both our team members and the future of health care in Cape May County and southern New Jersey.”
“We are proud to partner and support the education and advancement of nurses and health care professionals for our region,” said Michael Palladino, PhD, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Stockton University. “This agreement aligns our academic mission with South Jersey’s critical workforce needs while expanding access to high-quality nursing education.”
“Creating clear pathways for professional growth helps ensure we continue to deliver exceptional care while developing the next generation of nursing leaders,” said Anthony J. Mazzarelli, MD, JD, MBE, co-CEO of Cooper University Health Care.
“We are very proud to partner with Stockton University to strengthen health care in the shore region. The driving force behind this new partnership is our common desire to increase the number of well-trained nurses who will provide care for local residents,” said Kevin O’Dowd, JD, co-CEO of Cooper University Health Care.
The MOU formalizes cooperation between the two institutions across education, clinical practice, and workforce development. In addition to tuition discounts, the agreement allows Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional and Stockton University to explore the development of new or customized certificates and graduate programs aligned with evolving workforce needs. Stockton University will also engage with Cape Regional through career services and recruitment initiatives.
“At Stockton, we are committed to providing our nursing students with hands-on, high-quality learning experiences,” said Jacqueline Arnone, PhD, PMHNP-BC, chief nurse administrator and associate professor of Nursing at Stockton University. “Collaborating with Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional strengthens those opportunities and supports our shared goal of developing confident, practice-ready nurses.”
Stockton offers multiple health care degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Students gain experience with dedicated faculty in a variety of health care settings, including state-of-the-art clinical simulation and assessment labs and at clinical institutions, agencies, and sites throughout the region and state.
Participants must meet Stockton University’s standard admission requirements and are responsible for applicable fees in addition to tuition. Cooper University Health Care also provides tuition reimbursement for eligible employees, reinforcing its commitment to professional development and workforce advancement.
Together, Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional and Stockton University aim to build a strong and sustainable pipeline of nursing professionals prepared to serve southern New Jersey now and into the future.
