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
Bill Charlap, internationally acclaimed pianist and director of William Paterson University’s Jazz Studies program, has been nominated for a 2026 Grammy Award for his 2025 album with vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater. The album, Elemental, is up for the Grammy in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category.
This marks Charlap’s fifth Grammy nomination. He won the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for his collaboration with the late Tony Bennett, The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern. He was previously nominated for his recordings with the Bill Charlap Trio: Uptown, Downtown, Somewhere: The Songs of Leonard Bernstein, and The Bill Charlap Trio: Live at the Village Vanguard.
“Playing and recording with the great Dee Dee Bridgewater is a joy and a blessing. It is gratifying to be recognized by your peers and by the industry, but even more important to me is how this nomination brings attention to our community, students, professors and administration at William Paterson,” says Charlap. “I’m deeply proud to be a part of the historic and internationally renowned Jazz Studies Program at William Paterson University.”
“We are so proud of Bill Charlap and thrilled to see his artistry recognized once again,” says Wartyna Davis, dean of the University’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. “Bill’s musicianship is an inspiration and a wonderful reminder of the world-class talent that shapes and enriches our Jazz Studies Program. We are so blessed to have this incredible musician as a part of our University community.”
Charlap has performed with many of the leading artists of our time including Phil Woods, Tony Bennett, Wynton Marsalis, Gerry Mulligan, Ron Carter, Freddy Cole, and Houston Person. For the past 30 years, the Bill Charlap Trio has been recognized as one of the leading groups in jazz.
He joined William Paterson University in 2015 as director of its internationally known Jazz Studies Program, now in its 52nd year. As director, he directs several of the program’s 24 small jazz groups, hosts the program’s dialogue days that feature peer and faculty critiques of student performances, and presents numerous concerts, including a recent performance with the WP Jazz Orchestra at Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Charlap tours all over the world, and his annual New York engagements include appearances at Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Village Vanguard. From 2004 through 2023, he was artistic director of New York City’s Jazz in July Festival at 92NY. He has produced concerts for Jazz at Lincoln Center, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the Chicago Symphony Center, and the Hollywood Bowl. Among the honorees at 92NY’s 2025 gala, he received Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 2024 Award for Artistic Excellence.
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
