William Paterson University

William Paterson University
Former names
  • Paterson City Normal School (1855–1923)
  • New Jersey State Normal School at Paterson (1923–1937)
  • New Jersey State Teacher’s College at Paterson (1937–1951)
  • Paterson State Teachers College (1951–1958)
  • Paterson State College (1958–1971)
  • William Paterson College of New Jersey (1971–1997)[1]
ƒ
TypePublic university
Established1855; 169 years ago (1855)
Academic affiliations
Space-grant
PresidentRichard J. Helldobler
Administrative staff
1,147
Students8,398 (2021)
Undergraduates5,298 (2021)
Postgraduates3,100 (2021)
Location
Wayne, New Jersey
,
U.S.

40°56′49″N 74°11′53″W / 40.947°N 74.198°W / 40.947; -74.198
Campus370 acres (150 ha)
Colors    Orange & black
NicknamePioneers
Sporting affiliations
NCAA Division III-NJAC
MascotPio (since 2021)[2]
Websitewww.wpunj.edu

William Paterson University, known as WP, officially William Paterson University of New Jersey (WPUNJ), is a public university in Wayne, New Jersey, United States. It is part of New Jersey's public system of higher education.

Founded in 1855 and named after American statesman, lawyer, jurist, and signer of the United States Constitution William Paterson, William Paterson is the third-oldest public institution in New Jersey.[3] William Paterson offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees through its five academic colleges. During the fall 2023 semester, 6,546 undergraduate students and 2,880 graduate students were enrolled.[3]

  1. ^ "History of William Paterson University". William Paterson University. Retrieved December 24, 2023.
  2. ^ WP Campus Traditions (Archived 2022-07-05 at the Wayback Machine), William Paterson University. Accessed July 7, 2022. "Pio, WP's energetic mascot, is a bear with characteristics that reflect William Paterson University’s values and the attributes of many of our students: gritty, confident, persevering, fun-loving, and the first in the family to attend college. Pio made a debut at Homecoming 2021, giving high-fives and hugs, posing for selfies, dancing with tailgating students and alumni, and rallying spectators from the sidelines."
  3. ^ a b "University Facts". William Paterson University. Archived from the original on July 1, 2014. Retrieved June 18, 2014.