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William Paterson University President Richard J. Helldobler has been named to the 2024 Education Power 50 list by New Jersey business publication NJBIZ.
“This year, the Education Power 50 pays particular homage to those who not only provide traditional lessons through time-tested methods, but also, through their work, provide sterling examples for all of us,” writes Jeffrey Kanige, editor of NJBIZ. The honorees “play an absolutely critical role in fashioning the business leaders of tomorrow.”
In the article, NJBIZ profiles President Helldobler as follows:
“Richard Helldobler has been president of William Paterson University – one of the state’s largest and most diverse public universities — since 2018. Like many William Paterson students, Helldobler was a first-generation student of immigrant heritage. Under his leadership, WPU has established new programs to expand access at its Wayne campus, increase retention and completion, and make the institution more equitable and inclusive. Some of the efforts he has spearheaded include launching William Paterson’s Pledge 4 Success program, which fills the gap between tuition, fees and aid for qualifying students. The initiative created a broad network of student support centered on the University’s “Will. Power. 101” first-year experience program, featuring weekly student success workshops that help first-year students navigate college. It also served as a model for New Jersey’s Garden State Guarantee. During Helldobler’s tenure, WPU has advanced equity and diversity by establishing the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, the Black Cultural Center for students, and the Center for Latinidad, and creating a cabinet-level role of chief diversity officer. He has been recognized for this work with the American Council on Education Reginald Wilson Diversity Leadership Award. Following the successful 2020 conclusion of the Campaign for Scholarships – which exceeded the original goal of $10 million by 60% – Helldobler has continued to prioritize student scholarships: During 2023-2024, William Paterson distributed more than $1.6 million in donor scholarships, a 50% increase from five years earlier, and a one-year record.”
For the entire NJBIZ Education Power 50 list, click here.
As a powerhouse for new talent, William Paterson University offers unmatched support and next-level learning experiences. Together, we're reinventing what an excellent education looks like - here's how.
Our classrooms are never confined to four walls. Students work closely with faculty, get firsthand research experience, and discover fields they never knew existed. And because no two learners are alike, we offer flexible degree options, alternate credentials, and liberal transfer credits.
Your Success Is Our Priority
The transition to college can come with many questions, which is why all first-year Pioneers are paired with a Student Success Team.
This tailored team of experts is composed of a professional advisor, financial aid counselor, career coach, and starting sophomore year, a faculty mentor in the student’s major.
Discover What You Will. Power.
The first semester of college can be overwhelming, and Will. Power. 101, our first-year program, is designed to empower students throughout this life transition. In this semester-long course, students will explore what it means to be a powerhouse in academics, campus involvement and personal development, all while becoming more ingrained in the William Paterson community.
Mentorship That Goes Beyond The Classroom
We have exceptional faculty at William Paterson, and in addition to being experts in their fields, our professors strongly emphasize and prioritize mentorship. Here, students refine and grow in their skills while working alongside and building meaningful relationships with faculty.
We equip our students with the skills and resources they need to thrive, as both thoughtful members of society and career-ready graduates. See how you can excel at William Paterson.
