News Release

WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT ARNOLD SPEERT CELEBRATES 15 YEARS AT INSTITUTION'S HELM In his 15 years as president of William Paterson University in Wayne, Dr. Arnold Speert has guided the 10,000-student institution to prominence as the hub for higher education in northern New Jersey. He will be honored at a 15th anniversary gala celebration on Saturday, June 17, with proceeds to benefit the establishment of the Arnold and Myrna Speert Scholarship Fund. Among President Speert's many accomplishments during his 15-year tenure: William Paterson's achievement of university status in June 1997 Significant increases in the diversity of students and staff Development of an ambitious master plan that resulted in significant upgrades to the physical plant, as well as the construction of a new building for the humanities, extensive renovation of the library and communication building, and purchase of buildings for administration and the arts, as well as a refurbishment of Hobart Manor, a national historic site on campus Significantly increased the number of residence halls on campus to accommodate a growing demand for student housing, resulting in the development of a campus with activity seven days a week A comprehensive review of the institution's academic programs, leading to the development of new undergraduate and graduate degree programs Supervised dramatic developments in technology, including wiring of the campus Development of university centers at community colleges in Morris, Sussex and Warren counties to offer community-based baccalaureate degree programs Service on a number of boards including chair of the New Jersey Presidents' Council, chair of the Tri-County Chamber of Commerce, and chair of the board of Barnert Hospital For Further Information, contact: Mary Beth Zeman, Director Office of Public Information 973-720-2966 Release date: June 12, 2000 Back to News Releases