Galloway, N.J. — Stockton University was recently named one of the top LGBTQ+ Friendly Colleges in the country by BestColleges.com.

Stockton was listed at No. 10 in the website’s 2024 rankings and was recognized for its Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Center (WGSC), which works with a number of LGBTQ+ student organizations, including the Queer & Trans People of Color Society and the Pride Alliance. According to the website, Stockton ranks among the best in the nation in efforts to support and provide academic, financial and social resources for LGBTQ+ students.

Laurie Dutton, the WGSC director, said Stockton has worked hard to foster a positive climate for the LGBTQ+ population. She’s thrilled and immensely proud of the ranking, which comes at a good time as the center is preparing to celebrate its 10th anniversary in March 2025.

“This recognition is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our entire community to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all students,” Dutton said. “This accolade underscores the progress we've made and further inspires us to continue advocating for equity, diversity and inclusion in every aspect of university life.”

The WGSC opened its new lounge space on the Galloway campus in 2019, creating brave spaces for open discussions on gender, sexuality and intersectionality. Through Safe Zone training for faculty, staff and students, and partnerships with departments such as CAPS (Counseling) and the Speech and Hearing Clinic, the center provides strong support for the transgender community, Dutton said.

She added that initiatives like the “Whole New Closet” help transitioning students with clothing, while LGBT mixers and trips to iconic sites, such as Stonewall in New York City and Philly Pride Fest, help foster pride and preserve LGBTQ+ history. The spirit of Pride Alliance co-founder and Stockton alumna Laurel Hester continues to inspire students as they walk these halls, keeping her legacy alive in every step toward equality and inclusivity, Dutton said.

This is the second recent recognition for Stockton as an LGBTQ-friendly campus. In 2023, Campus Pride awarded the university 4.5 out of a possible 5 stars in its rating index. The index is a nationally recognized assessment that evaluates universities on their LGBTQ+ friendliness.

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