October 13, 2025

Dear William Paterson Faculty and Staff,

I am proud to share the great news that William Paterson has been awarded more than $2.7 million worth of grants by the U.S. Department of Education, through its TRIO-Student Support Services program. Federal TRIO programs are designed to provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds and include professional training for directors and staff of TRIO projects. William Paterson received two TRIO grants of approximately $1.36 million each through the TRIO Student Support Services General Grant program and the TRIO Student Support Services STEM Grant Program. Building on our proven record of fostering student academic success by providing a comprehensive network of support resources that meet the unique needs of our students, these grants will allow us to further leverage our expertise and better provide more students from disadvantaged backgrounds with a lifechanging education. 

TRIO grants are extremely competitive, and winning them reflects our collective success in delivering for our students, as well as the significant work invested by the team that put the application together, including Provost Dr. Josh Powers and VP for Student Development Dr. Miki Cammarata, Assistant Director for Research Development Kate Boschert, Director of Financial Aid Stacy-Ann Brown, AVP for Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Sue Gerber, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Dr. Sandy Hill, Executive Director for Academic Success Linda Refsland, and Professor and Office of Sponsored Programs Fellow Dr. Gladys Vega. Thanks to all of them and to everyone who played a part in securing this funding. 

We are excited to host a Fall Open House for prospective undergraduate students this Saturday, October 18, beginning at 10:00 a.m. We look forward to welcoming these prospective students and their families to campus to meet with faculty, staff, and students and showing them first-hand what our Powerhouse of Progress looks like. We currently have more than 450 students registered to attend, and we expect that number to grow as we get closer to the event. Thank you in advance to everyone who will be taking part in this important event, which is key to transforming interest into applications and, ultimately, enrollment.

As our work on our next Strategic Plan moves forward, its success will depend greatly on the insights of our campus community. A 2026-31 Strategic Plan website has been launched to share updates on our progress, highlight the committees and their members leading this important work, and post the schedule for upcoming listening sessions, beginning later this month, where faculty and staff can contribute directly. Please check the website and watch your email for further news and updates from Co-Chairs Dr. George Kacenga and Dr. Amy Ginsberg.

A reminder that this Thursday and Friday, October 16 and 17, are Wellness Days, when the University will be open but no classes will be held.

This week’s WP: We are Proud – Kudos to everyone for another amazing Homecoming & Family Day, which featured fall colors, summer weather, lots of socializing, and a resounding victory for our Pioneer football team! All told, the day’s events drew more than 2,400 alumni, friends, parents, students, faculty, and staff to campus. The day was a success thanks in large part to the collaboration among Institutional Advancement and Student Development, with more than 100 WP staff from across the University working and supporting the many activities. In addition, 120 alumni and friends showed their support for the Homecoming After-Party that was co-hosted by Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy and a group of alumni leaders who founded the Keep it Real Foundation. This new element was a “party with a purpose,” where net proceeds went to support the Jeffery Payoute Scholarship at William Paterson University.   

Special thanks to Associate Vice President for Student Development Francisco Diaz and Assistant Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy Roy Garcia and their respective teams for coordinating these efforts, as well as to University Police and Physical Plant Operations for their great support, and thanks to everyone who brought their Pioneer Spirit to campus for the occasion.

Have a great couple of weeks!