William Paterson University Welcomes New Executive Director of Alumni Relations

Jenna Villani has joined the William Paterson University family as the new executive director of alumni relations.

Although she has been working remotely since she began this April due to the pandemic, Villani looks forward to meeting alumni and friends in person. In the meantime, she is enjoying the opportunity to engage with the WP community virtually.

Villani replaces Janis Schwartz, who retired this year after serving as executive director of alumni relations since 2008.

“I am thrilled to join the William Paterson University community,” says Villani. “I look forward to continuing to foster a strong and vibrant alumni network and creating opportunities for alumni to connect with their alma mater and one another.”

In her new role at William Paterson, Villani will provide strategic direction for the University’s alumni relations efforts and will implement programs, activities and services designed to engage and build relationships with more than 80,000 alumni.

Villani has nearly a decade of experience in alumni relations. She came to us from Montclair State University, where she held several positions of increasing responsibilities in alumni relations, most recently serving as their associate director.

Over the course of her career, she has gained a reputation as an engagement leader with expertise in strategic planning and implementation, program development, event management and volunteer leadership.

Her experience includes developing a strategic regional engagement plan, cultivating alumni involvement, collaborating with development on fundraising initiatives, and revamping the Homecoming experience.

Villani holds a bachelor of arts degree in communication studies from the University of Rhode Island and a master of arts degree in public and organization relations from Montclair State University.

To connect with Jenna Villani, you can reach her at villanij3@wpunj.edu.

 

05/20/20