August 4, 2025

Dear William Paterson Faculty and Staff,

With the arrival of August, we are just about three weeks away from Welcome Day on Tuesday, Aug. 26. I look forward to seeing all of you there. Many of our incoming Pioneers and their families have been joining us on campus recently for a series of Orientation sessions, and I want to thank Vice President Miki Cammarata and the entire Student Development Team, especially Director of Campus Activities, Service, and Leadership Donna Minnich Spuhler, along with everyone who is playing a part in these successful events.

Turning to enrollment, as of this past weekend, we have 8,801 enrolled students, representing a 3.3% increase over last year. Main Campus enrollment stands at 5,482, just slightly ahead of this time in 2024 (+0.11%), while WP Online enrollment is pacing 9.03% ahead of last year, with 3,319 students enrolled. Total new student enrollment across all student types is 3,124, reflecting a 2.7% year-over-year increase. This includes 1,861 Main Campus new students (+1.03% YoY) and 1,263 WP Online new students (+5.25% YoY).

Overall domestic deposits are up +4.54% (2,647), and overall domestic enrollment is up +2.04% (3,000). Domestic transfer enrollment is up +12.09% year-over-year, and Main Campus graduate enrollment is up +2.69%. First-Year deposits and enrollment are slightly lower than this time last year, partly due to a temporary pause in admissions for one of our programs, as well as some intentional data clean-up that removed likely no-shows. If those students reengage, they will be reinstated. We still anticipate overall growth in the new class year-over-year.

While international momentum continues, we remain aware of external factors that may affect final enrollment, such as visa appointment delays, processing timelines, and social media scrutiny. To support these students, a one-time online Fall semester option has been offered to keep them on pace academically, while allowing additional time for visa processing. There are 39 days to Census I (September 12) and 99 days to Census II (November 11).

Following up on my message last week regarding Vice President for Institutional Advancement Pam Ferguson’s plan to retire at the end of the year, I want to share the names of those who have helpfully agreed to serve on search committee for our next advancement leader. Thank you to the following committee members, who will work under the leadership of co-chairs, WP Foundation Board Chair Aaron Van Duyne III ’75, MM ’08 and Vice President for Finance and Administration and CFO Kirsten Loewrigkeit: Anna Baiata, Executive Director, Office of Sponsored Programs; Dr. Anthony Bowrin, Dean, Cotsakos College of Business; Kristen Foley, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation; Dr. Carrie Hong, Faculty Senate Representative; Lauren Locker ’79, Vice Chair of the WP Foundation Board; Caitlyn O’Loughlin, Director of Talent Acquisition and Employee Learning and Development; Olga Onetti, Internal Audit Director; John Rivera, Director of Annual Giving; Michael Santoro ‘73, Alumni Executive Council representative; and Johanna Torres, Director of Student Enrollment Services.

Working with the firm Academic Search, the committee will conduct listening sessions with the Foundation Board, Institutional Advancement staff, and Alumni Executive Council, along with other key stakeholder groups, August 11-13. Please check Daily Announcements for dates and times. The goal is to identify qualified candidates to interview mid-semester and bring the successful candidate on board in time to work with Pam on a leadership transition before formally assuming the role in January. Stay tuned for updates as the process moves forward.

While we are all busy preparing for the fast-approaching Fall semester, I hope everyone finds time to enjoy the lovely weather and the rest of summer.