Hudson County Community College and Stockton University Expand Articulation Agreement to Include Pathway to Hemp and Cannabis Business Management Bachelor’s Degree
April 30, 2026
On Tuesday, April 28, Hudson County Community College (HCCC) Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Darryl Jones (left) and Stockton University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Michael A. Palladino signed an expanded agreement creating a seamless transfer opportunity for students. Those earning an A.S. in Business Administration with a Cannabis Studies Option at HCCC can now continue directly into Stockton’s B.S. in Hemp and Cannabis Management program.
April 30, 2026, Jersey City, NJ – The highly regulated cannabis industry is one of the world’s fastest growing business sectors. The global cannabis industry – which is expected to reach more than $73 billion by 2027 – employs hundreds of thousands of individuals who are involved in cultivating, manufacturing, delivering, and the wholesale and retail sales of cannabis products. Owning, operating and supervising a cannabis business can be challenging and requires specialized business knowledge and skills.
On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Hudson County Community College (HCCC) Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Darryl Jones and Stockton University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Michael A. Palladino signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will expand upon a 2022 articulation agreement. The new MOU will enable students who are pursuing their HCCC Associate of Science (A.S.) in Business Administration degree with the Cannabis Studies Option to transfer seamlessly to Stockton’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Hemp and Cannabis Management degree program.
“This program-to-program agreement saves students time and tuition costs by eliminating duplication and repetition of courses, so students can earn their degrees in a seamless and more timely manner,” said HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber. “The agreement includes conditional dual admission to Stockton for HCCC students in the first year of their studies. In addition, students will benefit from joint advising and special programs.”
“Stockton University is proud to expand our partnership with Hudson County Community College to create a clear, affordable pathway into one of today’s fastest-growing industries,” Dr. Palladino said. “Stockton was the first college or university in New Jersey to offer an undergraduate degree in Cannabis Studies, and this agreement not only streamlines the transfer process, but also ensures students are well-prepared with the specialized business knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in the evolving hemp and cannabis marketplace in New Jersey. Together, we are opening doors to meaningful career opportunities while meeting the workforce demands of this dynamic sector.”
The signing took place in the Atrium of HCCC’s Gabert Library in Jersey City, NJ. Joining Dr. Jones and Dr. Palladino from HCCC were Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Assessment Dr. Heather DeVries, Dean of Business, Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Dr. Ara Karakashian; and Associate Dean of Career and Transfer Pathways Jennifer Valcarcel; and from Stockton University, Associate Provost for Curriculum and Compliance Dr. Tracey Meilander; Interim Dean of the School of Business Dr. William C. Minnis; Associate Professor of Business Studies and Management Dr. Emmanuel Small; and Adjunct Professor of Cannabis Studies Robert Mejia.