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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.
