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
William Paterson University in Wayne has announced the appointment of two new arts administrators.
Dr. Ellen Hoobler, an internationally recognized specialist in the ancient art of the Americas and its historiography, has been named director of the William Paterson University Galleries. In addition, Dr. Wenhong Luo, who has more than a decade of experience as a curator, museum anthropologist, and arts program director, has been appointed director of the Center for Chinese Art (CCART).
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Hoobler and Dr. Luo. They bring critical expertise and experiences that will further advance the missions of their respective divisions,” says Wartyna Davis, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
The University Galleries and the Center for Chinese Art serve as places of exploration and engagement for William Paterson University students, faculty, staff, collaborators, and the community. The Galleries present exhibitions of contemporary art, oversee the University’s art collections, and offer educational programs. The Center for Chinese Art is dedicated to the study, presentation, and interpretation of Chinese art across historical, material, and contemporary contexts, with a strong emphasis on research, exhibitions, teaching, and public engagement.
Hoobler previously served as the William B. Ziff, Jr., Curator of Art of the Americas at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, where she built a distinguished record of curatorial excellence, scholarly leadership, and community engagement from 2017 to 2026. Her work significantly expanded public access to and understanding of the art of the ancient Americas, while strengthening institutional relationships with diverse audiences across the Baltimore region.
Prior to joining the Walters Art Museum, Hoobler was an assistant professor of art history at Cornell College; she also has held teaching appointments at Columbia University and the University of Puget Sound. Hoobler is the co-editor, with Dr. Victoria Lyall of Collecting the “Other Americas”: Ancient Americas Collections in Art Museums (Denver Art Museum, 2025) and is the author and co-editor of numerous essays and volumes examining collecting practices, museum display, and the role of art in cultural diplomacy between the United States and Mexico. She is known for her deep professional and personal engagement with Oaxaca, where she co-founded an arts-focused cultural tour enterprise centered on the region’s folk and fine art, architecture, and archaeology.
Hoobler holds a PhD in art history and archaeology from Columbia University and a bachelor of arts degree in Latin American studies from Wellesley College.
Luo, who has a strong record in curatorial leadership, exhibition planning, and cross-cultural collaboration, previously served as the director of folklife and community engagement at the Sandy Spring Museum, a community museum in Sandy Spring, Maryland, where she collaborated with diverse communities to co-curate exhibitions, performances, and public programs that celebrate and sustain cultural heritage.
She has held curatorial positions at institutions such as Yunnan Nationalities Museum, in Kunming, China, where she has worked extensively with minority ethnic communities to create exhibitions and programs that amplify underrepresented voices. Her work spans the breadth of Chinese art history—from early archaeological artifacts to contemporary folk and minority arts—and has resulted in major exhibitions that explore the dynamic dialogue between tradition and innovation in East Asian art.
Luo holds a doctorate in archaeology and museology from Fudan University in Shanghai, China, and a master’s degree in anthropology from Renmin University in Beijing, China. She is fluent in Mandarin and English.
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
