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William Paterson University leaders joined Governor Phil Murphy and a delegation of New Jersey government, business, and education representatives on a three-day economic mission to Mexico, held November 6–9, 2025. The mission—organized by Choose New Jersey in collaboration with the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey—focused on deepening economic, educational, and cultural partnerships between New Jersey and Mexico.
Governor Murphy led the delegation in meetings with Mexican government and business leaders to expand collaboration across manufacturing, technology, life sciences, and higher education. Representing William Paterson University were George F. Kacenga, Vice President for Enrollment Management, and Carol Cuadrado, Associate Vice President for Government Relations. Their participation reflects the University's ongoing commitment to international engagement and student opportunity.
The trip built upon William Paterson's strong foundation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and its existing partnership with the Mexican Consulate in New Brunswick. In 2024 and 2025, the Consulate selected William Paterson for an IME Becas award, a grant that supports higher education and adult learning for Mexican students abroad.
"The connections we made during this trip with the U.S. Trade Commission and Mexican institutions laid important groundwork for future enrollment agreements, academic collaboration, and cultural exchange," Kacenga adds. "These relationships position WP to further open doors for students on both sides of the border and strengthen our role in advancing access and opportunity through international education."
The mission included focused discussions among university and academic leaders to develop student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and culturally grounded educational programming. These efforts aim to create a globally connected network supporting students, workers, and businesses in both New Jersey and Mexico.
"Participating alongside leaders from New Jersey's government, business, and education sectors, including the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Choose New Jersey, demonstrates the strength of public-private collaboration in advancing shared goals," Cuadrado says. "The relationships built through this mission deepen William Paterson University's connections to key economic and civic partners and reinforce our commitment to supporting New Jersey's diverse communities. These partnerships lay the groundwork for continued collaboration that benefits both our students and the state's growing international engagement."
