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William Paterson University has been recognized in five categories by New Jersey business publication ROI-NJ’s 2022 higher education influencers list, honoring the people, programs, and facilities that have greatest influence and impact.
Most Influential Presidents | President Richard Helldobler
Since joining William Paterson, President Richard Helldobler has been a tireless advocate for the University’s majority-minority student population. He has built a broad network of academic and social supports, including an innovative first-year retention program and a comprehensive series of DEI initiatives. WP’s top 3% ranking on CollegeNet’s Social Mobility Index is just one example of its success under President Helldobler in educating the students who are changing the social fabric of New Jersey.
Most Influential Deans and Directors | Anthony Bowrin, Dean of WP’s Cotsakos College of Business
Since becoming its dean in July 2020, Anthony (Tony) Bowrin, PhD, has led William Paterson University’s Cotsakos College of Business into a 125 percent increase in graduate student enrollment, thanks to a full slate of online MBA programs launched in 2020, designed for working professionals. Bowrin also oversees the University’s multidisciplinary Cannabis Research Institute, and the Center for Socially Responsible Entrepreneurship and Innovation. A new professional enrichment program, required of all business majors, is designed to improve students’ career readiness skills.
Best Campus Improvement | Cybersecurity Research Lab
The newly created and then expanded cybersecurity research lab at William Paterson University is equipped with networking devices, equipment that captures area WiFi traffic, state-of-the-art computers used in machine learning, high-performance graphic processing unit (GPUs), and a real-time tracker of global cybersecurity attacks, among other technology. The lab has allowed for the creation of new computer science courses acutely focused on industry needs vis-à-vis hands-on learning, and for undergraduate students to pursue and attain professional certifications in cybersecurity before graduating.
Most Unique/Innovative Class or Program | Bachelor of Science Degree in Professional Sales
The first separate bachelor of science degree in professional sales offered by an AACSB-accredited business school, William Paterson University’s experientially-based degree prepares students for careers in sales, sales management, and sales leadership. Students practice sales skills in the Professional Sales Lab, and through events such as the National Sales Challenge, an intense series of selling competitions that draws students from across the country. A current partnership with Baroan Technologies provides students with a real-world business case study and access to company leadership.
Best Leaders in Entrepreneurship | Professor Ana Cristina Siqueira
Associate Professor of Management Ana Cristina Siqueira is director of the recently launched Center for Socially Responsible Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the University’s Cotsakos College of Business. WP’s new Center aims to empower current students, alumni and members of the general public from diverse backgrounds and industries to create new business ideas and develop socially responsible innovations for their new or existing organizations. The Center also produces research in entrepreneurship and innovation focusing on organizations that alight economic, social, and environmental goals.
08/30/22
