Message from the Provost’s Office

Reflections on Seven Years

Over the past seven years, I have had the privilege of addressing this community almost every month, often at moments of uncertainty, sometimes at moments of celebration, and always with deep respect for the work we do together. Those messages were never meant to be pronouncements from above. They were intended as conversational stories, often revealing a bit about my personal self, and always to pause amid the urgency of academic life and reflect on where we were, who we are, and why our work matters.

Each message emerged from a particular moment: a national reckoning, a campus challenge, a personal experience, an unexpected disruption, a hard decision, or a quiet success. But beneath those moments ran a consistent set of commitments. I talked often about student success, not as a slogan, but as a daily practice—designing curricula that invite students in, supporting those who stumble, and believing fiercely in their capacity to grow. The themes returned repeatedly to equity and access, because a regional public university fulfills its mission only if opportunity is real and attainable for those we serve.

We navigated change together—through a global pandemic, through demographic shifts, through financial and structural pressures that tested our resilience. In those seasons, our values mattered most. We leaned on shared governance, trusting that the best decisions are forged through listening, disagreement, and collective responsibility. We emphasized stewardship, knowing that caring for this institution means making choices that are sustainable, not just expedient.

The messages also reflected optimism—sometimes quiet, sometimes defiant—about the role of higher education. They affirmed the centrality of teaching and scholarship, the dignity of academic work, and the power of a campus community that takes its public purpose seriously. They ended, as many conversations do, by returning to why it matters: because lives are changed here, because knowledge still carries weight, because universities remain among society’s most hopeful ideas.

As I step away from this role, I do so with gratitude. Gratitude for colleagues who care deeply, who show up, who believe that this work is worth the effort it demands. These particular messages from me may now be ending, but the values I sought to be noticed are alive in classrooms, offices, laboratories, and hallways every day. That is where the work continues—and where this University’s story is still being written.

Academic News

Because as you will see below my Quotables section is notably longer than usual, I’ve opted to truncate this section and simply say it has once again been a consequential year and with some super leaders about to begin new roles as the President has communicated. It is so gratifying to know that we have a deep bench at this University, and I so look forward to seeing them thrive in these new roles, led by the talented Dr. Amy Ginsberg.

Facts & Figures

The routine cadence of a university is typically an annual one, but for this last monthly message I thought I would share a few stats that reflect where we’ve come in the past few years, each reflective of something strategic we have sought to do:

Five-Year Total of Degrees and Certificates Awarded: 14,578

Percentage Annual Change, Fall 2021 to Fall 2025: +69%

Five-Year Total of Undergraduate Adults Enrolled (25+): 9,763

Percentage Annual Change, Fall 2021 to Fall 2025: +38%

Four-Year Total Main Campus Undergraduate Non-Returners¹ (2022-2025): 3,544

Percentage Annual Change, Fall 2022 to Fall 2025: -34%

¹Non-returner defined as a fall enrolled student who did not return the following fall and did not graduate. However, some may have returned at a later point.

Quotables

I have a special folder where I place particular emails received from or about faculty, staff, students, and alumni that warm the heart in some way. This seemed a fitting moment to share a few over the past seven years:

“I know many of us experienced a lot of anxiety and confusion throughout this unprecedented event. Initially, I, too, was very confused because this is stressful for all of us. I was worried how our classes were going to be held, as well as if we would be able to obtain the same learning experience from online classes. However, with a bit of doubt in my mind, I still believed that our professors were capable of making this work, and I was right.” (student reflecting on their COVID experience)

“It’s easy to think the work we do is just ‘part of the job’… moments like these remind me that although I am doing my job, it is making a difference.” (faculty member)

“Today my company announced an additional 20% reduction in force and it really has me concerned about my future. What this solidifies for me, is that focusing on completing my degree is the right move to help give me the confidence I need to change industries or maybe even careers.” (WPO adult learner)

“You helped me see that a setback in this process is not an end, but a vital means to an end.” (faculty member reflecting on the process of promotion)

“Our colleagues and I look forward to mentoring our pre-doctoral fellow and are grateful for the opportunity provided to her at the university.” (faculty member)

“The value of what we do at WP has been transformational for me. I went to [two ivy league schools referenced here], and now that I reflect back, I realize how little I learned at both institutions as compared to my public high school, and how much more we do at WP to educate and serve our students. It's truly motivating to be a driver of positive social change through our work at WP.” (faculty member)

“Probing the mysteries and wonders of American higher education together has meant a great deal to me.” (faculty member)

“I think that the members appreciated having you both expressing concern and answering questions regarding the layoffs. I am personally grateful for your willingness to address the membership.” (faculty member)

“I share this with you because I was so proud that my father was blessed to be surrounded by WPU Nursing Alums as his round-the-clock caretakers. If it weren’t for their quick response and knowledge, my dad wouldn’t be here today.” (staff member)

“I have always believed that great leaders are blessed with the ability to tell stories that help to connect thoughts and concepts that are not obvious to many people. There is a story-telling aspect to these newsletters that I believe will be remembered by the people who read them much longer than any PowerPoint presentation.” (Board of Trustees member)

“I am very moved by your email regarding first-gen (FG) college students and grads. I am one of them, and I think about this often. I understand how important this opportunity to attend WPU is for so many students and the sense of accomplishment it brings to them and their families. I requested my sticker and look forward to sharing my FG story with other FG students.” (staff member)

“As a Montclair State alum and former employer, you nailed what makes WP the place to be…all bullets were spot on but “Damn scrappy and proud of it” is the best. Thanks!” (staff member).

The Provost’s Office is Brenda, Claudia, Cicile, Jonathan, Kara, Tim, and Josh. You can reach us at 973.720.2122 • provost@wpunj.edu

Office of the Provost | 973.720.2122 | provost@wpunj.edu