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During the past several years, William Paterson University has worked to cement its reputation as a premier New Jersey institution for allied health education.
From its School of Nursing, which boasts the largest nursing enrollment on a single campus in New Jersey, to the $40 million construction project currently underway that will transform the Sports and Recreation Center into the Recreation and Health Sciences Center, to more than $3.5 million in research grants focused on health and wellness, William Paterson is gaining recognition for its focus on health and wellness.
Now, to further integrate health and wellbeing across the University, William Paterson has appointed Dr. Jill Guzman, DNP ‘14, CNNP, an advance practice nurse, as the institution’s first Chief Wellness Officer. In this new position, she will lead the institution’s efforts to develop stronger partnerships with state, regional, and local healthcare systems and related agencies, pursue new grant opportunities, and work across campus on initiatives focused on improving the health and wellbeing of students, faculty, and staff.
“The health and wellbeing of the William Paterson community is fundamental to the success of our students, faculty, and staff,” says President Richard J. Helldobler. “Dr. Guzman’s proven leadership in her field and on our campus will be invaluable as we strengthen our focus on this vital area and further build on our position as one of New Jersey’s leading healthcare educators through new partnerships and programs.”
Guzman, who has overseen and provided outstanding and comprehensive medical and behavioral services to students at William Paterson for more than two decades, most recently as director of the Counseling, Health, and Wellness Center since 2013, says she is excited about her new role. “This gives me a tremendous opportunity,” she says. “I appreciate that as a nurse I am now at the table, and can bring a holistic perspective on wellbeing, from health and safety to policy development, to my work on initiatives that can benefit the entire campus community. A fundamental belief that guides my work is, if you are well, you do well.”
She is currently engaged in active discussions with local healthcare systems, such as St. Joseph’s Health, Bergen New Bridge, and more, to expand and build partnerships to address critical healthcare gaps across the state. “William Paterson is perfectly positioned to work with our local healthcare systems to help meet some of those needs,” she says.
On campus, Guzman plans to draw on her deep connections with faculty and staff to develop a comprehensive wellness strategy to promote physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing; and grow signature events such as the institution’s annual Wellness Day in the fall. “Wellbeing is about more than just health,” she says. “It’s about how employees feel connected to their work, how students feel connected to their academics,” she adds. “It’s tremendously important to the success of the institution.”
Guzman looks forward to seeking new grant opportunities and expanding the University’s presence in the local community. “I grew up and still live in Wayne, and I am invested in having William Paterson University be at the center of this community,” she says.
