Cynthia Gove
Cynthia Gove is an accomplished higher education facilities and operations leader whose career at Stockton University spans more than 16 years of progressive leadership and campus transformation. Beginning her journey in accounts payable and construction payment analysis, Cynthia steadily expanded her expertise across finance, administration, facilities management, and large-scale campus operations. Her unique career path, combined with a background in ornamental horticulture and landscape design, has given her a distinctive approach to facilities planning that blends operational efficiency with aesthetics, functionality, and environmental design. Today, as Director of Facilities Management and Plant Operations, she oversees critical campus projects, facility improvements, operational planning, and infrastructure initiatives that support the university community.
Throughout her career, Cynthia has played a key role in the planning, coordination, and execution of major construction and renovation projects across the university. Her work has included everything from interior branding and wayfinding systems to long-term campus planning, sustainability efforts, and complex renovation management. One of her most notable accomplishments has been helping lead the university’s extensive library renovation while ensuring library services continued uninterrupted for students and faculty. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Cynthia works closely with administrators, faculty, contractors, and community stakeholders to create environments that are both practical and welcoming. Her ability to manage multiple large-scale projects while maintaining strong relationships and clear communication has earned her respect across the institution.
Beyond her operational achievements, Cynthia is deeply passionate about mentorship, leadership development, and empowering others—particularly women—to grow confidently in their careers. She takes great pride in helping team members discover their strengths, define their professional paths, and pursue educational and leadership opportunities. Holding both a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and a master’s degree in Educational Technology from Stockton University, Cynthia combines academic insight with hands-on experience to lead with both strategy and compassion. Her commitment to building strong teams, fostering confidence, and creating opportunities for growth continues to leave a lasting impact on the university and the people she mentors.
• Stockton University- Ed.D.
• Stockton University- M.A.
• Delaware Valley University- B.S.
What do you attribute your success to?
I think what I'm most proud of is my leadership component and being able to build people up and help them define their roles, gain confidence, and increase their education. Your expertise and what you do shows up eventually, and you have to gain respect through your confidence. I believe in showing that you can do as much, if not more than the men, and that your qualifications are the same whether you're a man or a woman. As a woman, I think we all have to work a little bit harder to have a seat at the table, but maintaining your integrity and respect for one another is so important. I've been working in a man's world my whole life, from landscape to the trades, and you have to really make sure you have a voice at the table and speak to what you know.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My first supervisor here at Stockton was a female and the director of accounts payable. She told me when I started, because the university setting can tend to have a lot of politics involved, to keep your head down, stay in your lane, do the best you can, think of you, and maintain your integrity and respect for others. She's still a friend and mentor, and I go to her for advice. She has a great set of values and is able to look at people really well and see beyond, so I always go to her.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Believe in yourself, stay the course, and treat others with the respect that you expect to be given. You can do anything you set your mind to, and there is no glass ceiling, so go through it. Have a seat at the table and know that you're worthy of having a seat at the table. You have to really make sure you have a voice at the table and speak to what you know. I didn't get my doctorate until I was 50, and I tell everybody it doesn't matter when you do something, it's never too late. It's going to take that long to get there just in life anyway, so why not make it something worthwhile that's going to make you feel better and give you more experience and education. Knowledge is power.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Maintaining your integrity and respect for one another is so important to me. I believe in treating others with the respect that you expect to be given. I'm focused on building people up and helping them define their roles, gain confidence, and move forward in whatever they want to do. Creating roles, especially for women, to have the confidence to move forward is something I value deeply. I also believe that knowledge is power and it's never too late to pursue education and make something worthwhile that's going to make you feel better and give you more experience.