INFORMATION FOR
The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences is the largest college at William Paterson University, and home to a diverse population of more than 3,000 students. Our programs provide insight into the past and explore solutions for the future, enabling our students to build their careers, pursue advanced academic studies, and empower positive change.
We offer a wide range of outstanding programs in the visual and performing arts, communication arts, and the humanities and social sciences. Students have the opportunity to work closely with a dedicated faculty of teacher-scholars including many Fulbright fellows and others of international prominence who bring real-world experience to the classroom. In our college there are extensive opportunities for artistic creation, performance, scholarship, study abroad, and hands-on learning as a part of your academic experience.
Our internship program is designed to provide career experience that helps you connect your current educational program to your future as a successful professional. Students also benefit from state-of-the-art resources ranging from HD television broadcast studios, animation and game design labs to recording studios and a social media lab, among others. They can also participate in college conferences, academic clubs, and honor societies.
We are home to a number of signature experiences that make us unique in New Jersey and to students around the nation and world, including our internationally renowned—jazz studies program and our award-winning campus radio station, 88.7 WPSC/Brave New Radio (named “College Radio Station of the Year” by the National Association of Broadcasters).
Dean, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
EMAIL: davisw@wpunj.edu
PHONE: 973-720-2731
OFFICE: Atrium 260
Associate Dean, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
EMAIL: razzorel@wpunj.edu
PHONE: 973-720-3282
EMAIL: hilld@wpunj.edu
PHONE: 973-720-3036
Cyril Ku, professor of computer science, Balmurli Natrajan, professor of anthropology, and Danielle Wallace, associate professor of Africana-world studies, were recognized during the University’s 2026 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on May 28 as the recipients of the 2026 Faculty Excellence Awards.
Provost Joshua Powers presented the awards. Ku received the 2026 Faculty Award for Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Creative Expression; Natrajan received the 2026 Faculty Award for Excellence in Service, and Wallace received the 2026 Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching; The awards were instituted in 2004 to recognize faculty achievement and contributions as the University celebrates the success of students at their graduation.
Ku was honored for his distinguished record of research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scholarly leadership in the fields of data science, natural language processing, artificial intelligence, data mining, and software engineering. A member of the faculty since 2002, Ku gained scholarly recognition through pioneering work in deductive databases and intelligent information systems. His research, which has expanded to include publications that examine the application of text mining and AI in healthcare and criminal justice research, the integration of AI technologies into software engineering and education, and ethical frameworks for responsible AI development, has appeared in numerous peer-reviewed journals. Ku has served as principal or co-principal investigator on multiple major grants, including $3.3 million in funding through National Science Foundation programs and projects funded through the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. Through the Data Science Research Lab, which he founded and directs, Ku has mentored numerous undergraduate researchers in AI, big data analytics, and machine learning, resulting in student publications, conference presentations, and meaningful research experiences.
Natrajan, who joined the faculty in 2005, was recognized for his engagement and leadership in a wide range of service to the institution. Currently serving a third term as chair of the Faculty Senate, he engaged faculty representatives in a strategic analysis of key areas for development in support of the strategic planning process. Natrajan, who has served as a department chair, is the founding director of WP’s Ghandian Forum for Peace and Justice. He was the inaugural director overseeing the launch of the University Core Curriculum (UCC) program in 2010 and again served as UCC director over the past two years to support the program’s revision, advancing programs centered on social justice and interdisciplinary learning. A member of various University committees and councils, including the Council for Equity and Justice, Natrajan has worked to develop innovative curricular programs in a variety of disciplines, and is active nationally in advancing inclusive scholarship and pedagogy, as well as research in his field of cultural anthropology. Natrajan’s grant initiatives include a Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad to advance international educational experiences for area teachers. He is an advisory member of the Impact Passaic Steering Committee focusing on youth empowerment.
Wallace was honored for her consistent and transformative excellence in teaching, mentorship, curricular leadership, and University service since joining the faculty in 2012. Her excellence in teaching has received multiple campus honors, including the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award and the Roland Watts’ Outstanding Mentor Award presented by the Educational Opportunity Fund Program. Wallace, chair of the Department of Community and Social Justice Studies, teaches a wide range of undergraduate courses in Africana-world studies and leadership and professional studies, directs the Honors College Social Sciences Track, and serves as a mentor for doctoral students in the Doctor of Education in Leadership program. Building on a strong sociological foundation, many of Wallace’s scholarly publications and presentations focus on pedagogy and curricular innovation in Black studies. An Ubuntu Teaching Fellow with the Center for Teaching Excellence, Wallace leads the Social Justice Project on campus, which provides faculty development for those who wish to better integrate issues of race and ethnicity, gender, class, and sexuality into their courses.
The Center for Chinese Art at William Paterson University is dedicated to preserving and sharing the artistic heritage of China and integrating its rich tradition into the University's curriculum. Students will not only have the opportunity to view Chinese art, but draw upon its philosophy and incorporate its techniques in order to participate effectively in the increasingly global world of visual arts.
Combining coursework dedicated to the rigorous investigation of art with a broad spectrum of the most current tools and technology yields artworks that push the limits of the imagination. The activities and technology at the Center for New Art support and supplement the Art Department curriculum while also extending to other departments within the University.
"At William Paterson, I had the opportunity to get research experiences during my undergraduate studies, and that's kind of rare. I also have amazing professors who push you because they want you to be successful. They really want to help--they're not just leaving you out there alone. I really like that and feel supported here."
Sidal Yurt Earned her BA in psychology at WP in 2023 and continuing for her MA and PsyD in clinical psychology International Student from Turkey
"William Paterson was such a great force and inspiration to finding what I want to do in life. It's opened so many doors for me and allowed me to see my potential. Now that I see it, I'm going to run with it."
Justyn Chapman Double Major in Popular Music Studies and Public Relations | Class of 2023
"The resources here are top notch. William Paterson has hidden gems throughout the campus and the classrooms—resources that can really help a person grow and develop, not just in academics but also in their professional life."
Hosanna Nitro Communication/ Public Relations Major | Class of 2023
"The professors here have pushed me to grow as an individual. They encouraged me to take part in class discussions and debates, helping me go from shy and reserved to someone who speaks up and is willing to challenge herself. As a result, I was able to take part in a prestigious internship for a U.S. Congresswoman, where I recruited volunteers, participated in voter turnout events, and learned a great deal about re-election campaigns. I cannot thank my professors enough."
Dhruvisha Patel Political science, litigation paralegal at DiFrancesco, Bateman, Kunzman, Davis, Lehrer & Flaum, PC | Class of 2023
