INFORMATION FOR
William Paterson University’s Cotsakos College of Business— one of an elite group of business colleges to achieve international accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)—offers a variety of challenging and rewarding degree paths to prepare you to excel in today’s global business environment.
Located in the state-of-the-art building at 1600 Valley Road, the College offers undergraduate programs in accounting, finance, financial planning and wealth management, global business, management, marketing, professional sales, and economics. Graduate students can pursue the master of business administration (MBA) with a choice of on-campus general MBA, finance concentration, or applied business analytics concentration; or our 100% online MBA with concentrations in accounting, applied business analytics, entrepreneurship, environmental and social governance, finance, general, healthcare economics and management, human resource management, marketing, and sales strategy. A variety of accelerated 4+1 combined business programs are also available to help you achieve your MBA in a shorter time and with significant cost savings.
In the Cotsakos College of Business, you will study in small classes, taught by faculty who are recognized experts in their fields—often with significant industry experience. Gain real-world experience through internships, credit-earning practica, job shadowing, and mentoring programs—all designed to prepare you for a meaningful and productive career upon graduation.
You can also benefit from the College’s sophisticated resources including the Global Financial Learning Center, an active trading room that brings the world financial markets to campus, and the Russ Berrie Institute for Professional Sales with its Professional Sales Laboratory.
Dean, Cotsakos College of Business
EMAIL: bowrina@wpunj.edu
PHONE: 973-720-2964
OFFICE: VR 4056
Associate Dean
EMAIL: gritschm@wpunj.edu
PHONE: 973-720-2977
Director of Graduate Programs
EMAIL: grzymkowskiB@wpunj.edu
PHONE: 973-720-3745
Michael Koutsokoumnis, a May 2026 graduate of William Paterson University with a bachelor of science degree in management, summa cum laude, was named the 2026 “Outstanding Senior” by the William Paterson University Alumni Association.
Presented annually since 1962, the “Outstanding Senior” award recognizes a graduating senior with strong involvement in extracurricular activities, service to the University and community, demonstrated leadership ability, and high academic standing. It is the highest honor bestowed by the Alumni Association. The award was announced at the Senior Send-Off celebration on May 13 where Nafin Elias ’20, MA ’22, president of the Alumni Association, recognized all the nominees and announced the recipient.
Koutsokoumnis received multiple nominations for the award, which cited him for his academic achievement, leadership, service to the University, and commitment to professional development. He was the recipient of the Presidential Scholarship, Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, and the Raymond Miller Activities Endowed Scholarship.
He was actively involved with the Pesce Family Mentoring Institute, as both a mentee and a student ambassador, and with the Career Development Center, where he served as a peer career leader. In his role as a peer career leader, he assisted students with résumé reviews, career exploration, and job search strategies. He also assisted with career fairs, networking events, presentations, and special projects.
Koutsokoumnis also served as president of the Human Resources Leaders Association (HRLA) and president and founding member of Students of Service. Other positions included treasurer of the Student Activities Programming Board and secretary of the Volleyball Club, among others.
A member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and the chapter’s philanthropy chair and vice president of alumni relations, he initiated the first community service mixer with multiple fraternities, sororities, and Students of Service. He also held camps-wide positions including unity chair of the Greek Senate and secretary of the Interfraternity Council and helped plan numerous campus events, including Greek Week.
Koutsokoumnis earned Dean’s List honors across multiple semesters and was inducted into several prestigious honor societies, including Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa, Order of Omega Greek Honor Society, the WP LEADS Honor Society, and the NSLS: The National Society of Success and Leadership.
Following graduation, Koutsokoumnis plans to pursue an MBA in human resource management at William Paterson.
"Being part of the Costakos College of Business allowed me to immerse myself in the world of accounting and finance through rigorous courses, research opportunities, and support from faculty members. I completed my business honors thesis and learned valuable communication skills that helped me receive two exceptional internships. William Paterson University has given me the tools to jumpstart my career."
Gianna Coscia Double major in accounting and finance, assurance associate, CohnReznick, LLP | Class of 2022
“William Paterson has given me limitless opportunities to expand my leadership capabilities and career readiness, such as helping me perfect my resume, hone my interview skills, and expand my professional network.”
Jay Dhar Professional sales major, accounting minor, business development specialis, Gartner | Class of 2023