Honors and Awards

Honors and Awards 2024-25 

• Chriss Williams, a professor of film and chair of the Department of Communication at William Paterson University in Wayne, has received the 2025 Individual Artist Finalist Award from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts in the category of playwriting/screenwriting. The program is administered in partnership with Mid-Atlantic Arts. Williams was recognized for his original script, The Twelve. (April 2025)

• Melissa Rosario, regional director of the New Jersey Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at William Paterson University, has been nominated as a 2025 INNOVATE100 Honoree. The annual INNOVATE100 initiative, developed by Innovation+, highlights and elevates the finest innovation leaders from all sectors across New Jersey. (April 2025)

• For the 15th year in a row, William Paterson University in Wayne has been designated a Military Friendly School by Viqtory, a company that honors institutions that implement the best practices and policies for veterans. (April 2025)

• The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), the foremost organization for students interested in the public relations and communications fields across the globe, has added William Paterson University to its network of PRSSA chapters worldwide. This affiliation grants WP faculty and students access to the extensive professional development, educational resources, and scholarships provided by the Public Relations Society of America. (March 2025)

• Francisco Díaz, associate vice president for student development at William Paterson University, has been named the recipient of two 2025 Mena Valdez Awards, the Outstanding Senior Student Affairs Officer Award and the Outstanding Service Award, presented by the NASPA Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education Latinx/a/o Knowledge Community. (March 2025)

• William Paterson University awarded more MBA degrees than any other New Jersey institution in 2024, according to data newly compiled by state business journal NJBIZ. Flexible scheduling options and innovative degree concentrations have fueled William Paterson University’s MBA enrollment growth by 75 percent in the past four years. (March 2025)

• Robb Rehberg, professor of athletic training and sports medicine at William Paterson University, has been elected as a Distinguished Fellow in the Athletic Training Academy, part of the healthcare industry’s National Academies of Practice. (March 2025)

• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB) has reaffirmed the Costakos College of Business’s status as an AACSB-accredited undergraduate and master’s-level business program for the next six years. This is the fourth time the programs of the Cotsakos College of Business have been reaccredited since initial accreditation in 2005. (February 2025)

• President Richard Helldobler was named the winner of 2025 American Council on Education Council of Fellows/Fidelity Investments Mentor Award. The award is presented annually to acknowledge the substantial role of mentors in ACE Fellows Program participants’ success. President Helldobler has mentored six Fellows and nominated four Fellows. (February 2025)

• A team of seven William Paterson University students placed in the top 5 percent of more than 4,800 teams in this academic year’s National Cyber League (NCL) Cybersecurity Competition. The student-competitors are majors in computer science or information technology and members of the University’s Networking Club: Divine Dickson-Uwakwe, Mia Herrera, Wilton Lizardo, Bibek Neupane, Amaury Polanco, John Sam-Bruce, and Amil Uddin. (February 2025)

• William Paterson University was one of two institutions in New Jersey selected by the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education for its Global Entrepreneurs-in-Residence Pilot Program. Aiming to drive innovation in generative artificial intelligence, the new initiative creates pathways for international entrepreneurs to grow their startups in New Jersey. (January 2025)

• Nicholas Hirshon, professor of journalism, was elected by the Deadline Club, the New York City chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), as its president for 2025. Hirshon is only the second professor elected to this role, among the most prestigious leadership positions in journalism. (December 2024)

• William Paterson University received a 2024 NJBIZ Empowering Women Award for its commitment to supporting and elevating women employees. Now in its second year, NJBIZ’s Empowering Women – Companies Leading the Way awards program recognizes New Jersey-based organizations for their tangible and innovative efforts to advance women in the workplace and community. (November 2024)

• William Paterson University was recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge—a national initiative—as a “Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting.” The University also clinched the No. 1 spot among New Jersey campuses of a similar size for its student-voter registration and commitment rates in the November 2024 election. (November 2024)

• William Paterson University is ranked no. 54 of nearly 1,200 four-year institutions in the nation in CollegeNet’s 2024 Social Mobility Index. The ranking assesses how colleges and universities improve students’ upward economic mobility. The University’s ranking places it in the top 4.25 percent in the country. (November 2024)

• For just the fourth time in program history, and the first since 1991, the William Paterson volleyball team won the New Jersey Athletic Conference Tournament title. (November 2024)

• The University was named a top music business school for 2024 by Billboard magazine, recognizing the University’s undergraduate program in music and entertainment industries. This is the seventh time William Paterson has landed on the list, which includes schools throughout the United States, as well as the United Kingdom and Spain. (November 2024)

• William Paterson University’s Child Development Center earned accreditation from the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the highest level of accreditation in the field. The Center—which is housed in William Paterson’s College of Education and serves children from ages 2 and a half through kindergarten—has been granted NAEYC accreditation for the next five years. (October 2024)

• The University’s radio station, 88.7 WPSC-FM/ Brave New Radio, was named 2024 College Radio Station of the Year in the National Association of Broadcasters’ (NAB) annual Marconi Radio Awards—considered the highest honor in radio. This marks the third Marconi Award and seventh Top 5 finish for WPSC-FM, which took home the title of Best College Radio Station in 2021 and Non-Commercial Station of the Year in 2018. (October 2024)

• An adaptation oof Real Men Read, a community outreach initiative for children through William Paterson University’s David and Lorraine Cheng Library, received a 2024 Library of Congress Literacy Award. The award recognizes organizations both in the U.S. and abroad that provide exemplary, innovative, and sustainable strategies to promote literacy and reading. (September 2024)

• William Paterson University was named a Top Regional University in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 edition of Best Colleges. WP ranked no. 60 of 165 institutions in the Best Regional Universities-North category, marking its highest-ever ranking. (September 2024)

• William Paterson was named to U.S News’s Best Values Schools list in the 2025 Best Colleges edition; the ranking factors academic quality and cost after accounting for total expenses and financial need. (September 2024)

• The University was named a top performer on social mobility in the U.S. News and World Report 2025 edition of Best Colleges. WP ranked no. 22 in the Best Regional Universities-North category. (September 2024) 

• William Paterson was named to the 2025 Best Colleges list of Best Colleges for Veterans, ranked at no. 26 in its region. The list is designed to provide data on top-ranked schools that make pursuing a college education more affordable for veterans and active-duty service members. (September 2024)

• William Paterson’s undergraduate nursing degree program climbed 65 spots to no. 254 out of 686 BSN programs nationwide, placing it in the top 37 percent of programs.

• William Paterson undergraduate programs ranked nationally for 2025 by U.S. News & World Report include business, ranked no. 353 out of 522 schools nationally, and psychology, ranked no. 355 out of 542 programs.

• Melissa Rosario, regional director of the William Paterson University Small Business Development Center has been selected as a 2024 NJBIZ Leading Women in Business Honoree. The awards recognize women who have made a significant impact on business in New Jersey as well as in their communities. (September 2024)

• President Richard J. Helldobler was named to the 2024 Education Power 50 list by New Jersey business publication NJBIZ. (September 2024)

• Two students were recognized with prestigious fellowships from the American Psychological Association (APA). Nicole Guevara, who is pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology (PsyD), was selected for the APA’s Minority Fellowship Program via its doctoral Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services division. Shara Rondon, who is pursuing a master’s degree in clinical and counseling psychology, was selected for the APA’s Interdisciplinary Minority Fellowship Program. (September 2024)

• The University was recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge for its nonpartisan democratic engagements efforts that fostered high levels of student voter engagement in the 2022 midterm elections. WP received the Bronze Seal, reflecting its commitment to ensuring that nonpartisan democratic engagement is a defining feature of campus life. (September 2024)

• William Paterson University was named to Forbes’ prestigious “Best In-State Employers” list for 2024, recognizing the institution as one of the best-ranked employers in New Jersey based on nationwide surveys.  (September 2024)

• David Fuentes, associate dean of the College of Education, has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE). (August 2024)

• Lydia Albuquerque, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, CCRN, professor of nursing, has been inducted as an inaugural fellow in the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing. The new academy, sponsored by the National Black Nurses Association, recognizes nurse leaders for their significant and sustained contribution to advance justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in nursing and health care. (July 2024)

• Two College of Education alumni are among 21 educators from across the state named 2024-2025 New Jersey County Teachers of the Year by the New Jersey Department of Education. Alyssa Guagenti ’08, MEd ‘12 was selected from Morris County and Bernadette Orsita ’08 was selected from Passaic County. (July 2024)

• Board of Trustees member William J. Pesce ’73, the retired president and CEO of John Wiley & Sons, was selected as a 2024 NJBIZ ICON Honoree. The ICON awards honor New Jersey business leaders over 60 for their notable success and strong leadership within and beyond their chosen field, resulting in outstanding contributions to their industry and community. A 1973 graduate of WP and a member of its Board of Trustees since 2002, Pesce and his family established the Pesce Family Mentoring Institute at William Paterson University. (July 2024)

Honors and Awards 2023-24 

• Dr. Jill Guzman, DNP, director of counseling, health, and wellness at William Paterson University, has been selected as a 2024 NJBIZ Healthcare Heroes honoree. The awards recognize excellence, promote innovation, and honor the efforts of individuals and organizations making a significant impact on the quality of health care in New Jersey. Guzman is being honored in the Health Care Professional category. (June 2024)

• President Richard J. Helldobler was named the recipient of the American Council on Education’s 2024 Reginald Wilson Diversity Leadership Award. The award is named in honor of the late Reginald Wilson, who was senior scholar emeritus at ACE and founding director of ACE’s Office of Minority Concerns. The award is presented annually to an individual who has made outstanding contributions and demonstrated sustained commitment to diversity in higher education. (May 2024)

• Three faculty were honored for excellence during the University’s 2024 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony. Marianne Sullivan, professor of public health, received the 2024 Faculty Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Creative Expression Award; Nicole Davi, professor of environmental science, received the 2024 Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award, and David Demsey, professor of music, received the 2024 Faculty Excellence Award for Service. (May 2024)

• Michaela Raguseo ‘24, who earned a bachelor of arts degree in mathematics, summa cum laude, was selected as the student speaker for the University’s 2024 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony. A member of the Pioneer Softball Team, Raguseo also completed the Honors College Independent Track and served as a math tutor and supplemental instructor on campus. (May 2024)

• Brittany Casares, MEd ‘24, and Amirah Elayan ’22, MFA ’24, were selected to deliver the graduate students addresses at the 2024 Graduate Commencement Ceremonies. Casares, a physical education and health teacher at Carl H. Kumpf Middle School in Clark, New Jersey, who earned a master of education degree in educational leadership, spoke at a ceremony for the College of Education and the College of Science and Health. Elayan, a 2022 graduate of William Paterson who earned a master of fine arts degree in creative and professional writing spoke at the ceremony for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and the Cotsakos College of Business. (May 2024)

• Helen Yousaf ’24, who earned a bachelor of science degree in medicinal biochemistry and a minor in public health, summa cum laude, was named the 2024 “Outstanding Senior” by the William Paterson University Alumni Association. (May 2024)

• Six University employees—Johanna Prado, director of the Center for Degree Completion and Adult Learning; Amanda Vasquez, director of the WP Online Student Success Center; Kara Rabbitt, associate provost for academic initiatives; Daisy Rodriguez, associate director, counseling, health, and wellness; Steve Quinn, associate vice president for University admissions; and Jason Hunter, detective sergeant, University Police—were among those honored by Governor Phil Murphy for their exceptional performance and service at a New Jersey State Employee Recognition Day (SERD) Award Ceremony in Trenton. (May 2024)

• Melissa Reardon Henry, general counsel to William Paterson University and its Board of Trustees, was named a 2024 NJBIZ 2024 Leaders in Law honoree. The award honors legal professionals and firms whose dedication to the industry and to their communities is outstanding. (May 2024)

• William Paterson jazz studies graduate Tyshawn Sorey ‘04 won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in music for his musical composition “Adagio (For Wadada Leo Smith).” A renowned multi-instrumentalist, composer, ensemble leader, and conductor who is known for his prowess both in improvisational and experimental music, Sorey has performed around the world with his own ensembles and has released 13 critically acclaimed recordings. (May 2024)

• William Paterson University was one of 22 individuals and organizations recognized for its sustainability efforts during the 2024 Environmental Leadership Awards ceremony held by the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ), in connection with Commerce Magazine. (April 2024)

• Students from William Paterson University’s radio and television stations, 88.7 FM Brave New Radio and WPTV, won a combined three first-place awards during the 2024 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Awards at a ceremony held on March 2, 2024 in New York City. Students from 88.7 FM, Brave New Radio won in the category of Best Sports Pre/Post Game for the “Football Post-Game Show.” Students from WPTV won two awards, for Best Comedy Program for Fake News Network, and for Best Talk Program for Very Late, “Is a College Degree Still Worth It?” (March 2024)

• For the 14^th consecutive year, William Paterson University in Wayne has been designated a Military Friendly School by Viqtory, a company that honors institutions that implement the best practices and policies for veterans. (March 2024)

• Dr. David A. Fuentes, associate dean and professor of teacher education in the College of Education, received the 2024 Mildred García Founder’s Award, presented by the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education. The award, named after Dr. Mildred García, the former president of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, honors exemplar commitment to advancing access and success of the Latinx population in higher education. (February 2024)

• Management professor Ana Siqueira, founding director of the Center for Socially Responsible Entrepreneurship and Innovation within the University’s Cotsakos College of Business, earned a 2024 Excellence in Scholarship Award from the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE). Bestowed by USASBE’s Social Entrepreneurship Special Interest Group, the award recognizes research completed in the field of social entrepreneurship. (January 2024)
• The David and Lorraine Cheng Library received the 2024 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine. The award honors academic libraries’ programs and initiatives that encourage and support diversity, equity, and inclusion. (January 2024)

• William Paterson University is ranked no. 51of nearly 1,200 four-year institutions in the nation in CollegeNet’s 2023 Social Mobility Index. The ranking assesses how colleges and universities improve students’ upward economic mobility. The University’s ranking places it in the top 4.25 percent in the country. (December 2023)

• WPSC-FM Brave New Radio and WPTV-6 television received a combined 12 media award nominations in the 2024 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Awards. The radio station received its 12th nomination for Best College Radio Station in the nation, along with 7 additional nominations. WPTV-6 was nominated for 4 awards. (December 2023)

• Students Jessica David and Felix Camacho won the Top Sales Team Champion title in the 16th Annual National Sales Challenge hosted by WP’s Russ Berrie Institute for Professional Sales. More than 100 students from 25 universities in the United States, Canada, and Hong Kong participated in the event. (November 2023)

• William Paterson University is ranked no. 5-or in the top 4.25 percent—of nearly 1,200 four-year institutions in the nation in CollegeNet’s 2023 Social Mobility Index. The unique ranking assesses how colleges and universities improve students’ upward economic mobility by weighing such factors as students’ household incomes against their post-graduation salaries and student loan debt. (November 2023)

• The University was named a top music business school for 2023 by Billboard magazine. William Paterson is one of two New Jersey institutions, and the only public university, to be recognized. This is the sixth time William Paterson has landed on the list, which includes schools in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. (October 2023)

• William Paterson University was among a handful of colleges nationwide selected by NBC Universal to participate in its biannual NBCU Academy Next Level Summit, which seeks to educate and elevate students and working professionals in the journalism, media, and tech industries. (October 2023)

• William Paterson’s student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, WPSPJ, was selected as 2023 National Campus Chapter of the Year from among 108 chapters across the United States. It previously won national campus chapter of the year in 2020. (September 2023)

• William Paterson University was named a Top Regional University in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 edition of Best Colleges. WP ranked no. 69 of 166 institutions in the Best Regional Universities-North category, marking its highest ranking in recent years. (September 2023)

• William Paterson was named to U.S News’s Best Values Schools list in the 2024 Best Colleges edition; the ranking factors academic quality and cost after accounting for total expenses and financial need. (September 2023)

• The University was named a top performer on social mobility in the U.S. News and World Report 2024 edition of Best Colleges. WP ranked no. 21 in the Best Regional Universities-North category. (September 2023) 

• William Paterson tied for no. 5 in its region in the 2024 Best Colleges category of campus ethnic diversity. (September 2023)

• William Paterson was named to the 2024 Best Colleges list of Best Colleges for Veterans, ranked at 32 in its region. The list is designed to provide data on top-ranked schools that make pursuing a college education more affordable for veterans and active-duty service members. (September 2023)

• Three of William Paterson’s undergraduate degree programs—nursing, business, and psychology—were nationally ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 edition of Best Colleges. (September 2023)

• Helen Yousaf ‘24—a medicinal biochemistry major, public health minor, and member of the Honors College on campus—clinched a scholarship from the National Collegiate Honors Council and was selected to present her senior thesis research at the Council’s annual conference in Chicago. 

• The David and Lorraine Cheng Library was selected to partner with Lyrasis to spearhead a movement to create professional training on organizational disaster preparedness, response, and recovery for libraries, museums, archives, and art galleries across the nation. (August 2023)

• WPSC-FM Brave New Radio was a finalist for the Marconi Award for Best College Radio Station of the Year by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). This is the fifth time the radio station has been nominated for the Best College Radio Station award, which it won in 2018 and 2021. (July 2023)

• Artworks by 16 William Paterson graduate art students pursuing master of fine arts degrees were on view in an exhibition space in Chelsea in New York City. The exhibition, titled Shifting, featured artworks by in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, and animation. (July 2023)

• Research by Bhavya Yalamanchili ’23 was published in the Journal of Consumer Health alongside the work of seasoned researchers and professors across the nation. This was Yalamanchili’s sixth journal publication as a WP student. (July 2023)

• Nathan Tortos ‘25 presented his on-campus chemistry research, “A Systematic Investigation of Platinum Nanoparticle Catalyzed Polymerization and Characterization of Aromatic Silanes,” at the 10th Annual European Silicon Chemistry Conference held in France. He was the only undergraduate college student chosen to present his research at the international event, which draws top scientists from around the world. (July 2023)

Honors and Awards 2022-23

Honors and Awards 2021-22

Honors and Awards 2020-21