May 2, 2019

To the William Paterson community:

The University has taken advantage of a great opportunity to provide much-needed space for revenue-generating programs on campus, as well as other academic initiatives.

We closed yesterday on the purchase of a 56,000-square-foot office building situated on 11 acres at 1800 Valley Road in Wayne for $1.75 million. The building, which is adjacent to our building at 1600 Valley Road, was purchased through reserve funds set aside for capital improvements and emergent strategic directions; no operating funds were used. When reserve funds are utilized, they support one-time strategic opportunities and do not become part of our operating budget. The building was recently completely renovated and is immediately available for use for classrooms and other academic spaces. After we take occupancy, we will soon begin moving University programs into the building in phases.

The building will house a range of revenue-generating programs including the University’s School of Continuing and Professional Education, adult education, and high school dual enrollment initiatives, as well as general classrooms that will alleviate classroom and seminar room capacity issues in the University’s 1600 Valley Road building. It may also potentially house a child development center, which would provide an academic learning environment for our future teachers. Over time, we will provide additional details about plans for the programs that will be housed at 1800 Valley Road. 

Given the surplus of commercial office space in close proximity to the University, we saw the availability of this building as an extremely affordable opportunity that would support current and future strategic directions. We will soon schedule a ribbon-cutting event to celebrate this significant development and will also offer tours for members of the campus community to visit our newest facility.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Helldobler, PhD
President