Revitalizing the Core of the Campus

By Mary Beth Zeman

On the second floor of University Hall, William Paterson’s new academic building, nursing students in one of the simulation labs are clustered around a patient’s bed, listening intently as a faculty member discusses a critical element of patient care. Their hands-on lesson can be seen by anyone who walks by the large glass hallway window that provides an inside glimpse of the activity taking place.

The ability to see learning in action is a central element of this glass-filled facility, which was dedicated on January 13, 2016 — six months ahead of schedule. Located at the center of the University’s main campus, the $40 million building was funded in part by $30 million from the state’s “Building Our Future” Bond Act. 

“University Hall, with its important mix of general-use classrooms and dedicated laboratories and clinical spaces for our programs in nursing communication disorders, and public health, will serve all our students while advancing our role as a top provider of health sciences education in New Jersey,” said President Kathleen Waldron, speaking before a standing-room-only crowd of more than 400 people who crowded into the building’s two-story, glass-enclosed atrium. “The building represents a significant step in the revitalization of our main instructional facilities as we provide faculty and students with state-of-the-art teaching, clinical, and research spaces.”

New Jersey Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno and State Senator Tom Kean, Jr. were among the state and local officials and members of the William Paterson University community in attendance. “The taxpayers of New Jersey should be proud of their investment in William Paterson University. After all, we’re not just celebrating a new building, although it is a beautiful space and a fantastic achievement,” said Guadagno. “This project also ensures that William Paterson University students will be armed with the best possible education to go out into the world and change it for the better.”

At 80,000 square feet, University Hall houses 16 general-use classrooms serving a minimum of 4,000 students per semester. Specialized classrooms and clinical spaces include the relocated Nel Bolger, RN Nursing Laboratory, consisting of two updated patient simulation laboratories and a control room to provide enhanced clinical training; three nursing basic skills labs, and four additional nursing simulation labs. 

The University’s Speech and Hearing Clinic, which provides a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic services for the community, is located on the lower level. Featuring the latest digital monitoring technology, the clinic now includes 15 therapy rooms and 14 observation rooms to meet the growing demand for services. 

“At William Paterson University, we take great pride in providing our students and faculty with the hands-on, experiential learning opportunities they require to reach their fullest potential,” said Fred Gruel, chair of the University’s Board of Trustees. “This new academic building is a tangible example of that commitment.” 

For a video of the grand opening of University Hall, visit bit.ly/WPUniversityHall

Present for the opening of University Hall at William Paterson University on January 13 were a number of University administrators and elected officials. (From left to right) Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly; Assemblyman Scott Rumana; Esaul Helena, president, William Paterson Student Government Association; Assemblywoman Mila Jasey; Jean Fuller-Stanley, associate dean, College of Science and Health; Ken Wolf, dean, College of Science and Health; Fred Gruel, chair, William Paterson University Board of Trustees; President Kathleen Waldron; John Galandak, member, University Board of Trustees; Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno; Senator Tom Kean Jr.; Anna Marie Mascolo, member, University Board of Trustees; Lonnie Miller-Ryan, president, Wayne Township Council (in hat); Lourdes Cortez, member, University Board of Trustees; Aileen Rivera, councilwoman, Wayne Township; Christian Hartman, associate vice president, New Jersey Alliance for Action; and Jamie Dykes, president, Tri-County Chamber of Commerce