Academic Funding Priorities

The University offers a wide range of innovative academic programs including several that provide donors with an outstanding opportunity to make a special impact through their support.

Paterson Teachers for Tomorrow

Paterson Teachers for Tomorrow
Russ Berrie Institute for Professional Sales
Asian Studies
E*TRADE Financial Learning Center
Honors College


Supporting Paterson Teachers for Tomorrow
One of the greatest challenges for the United States, and for Paterson in particular, is to attract and retain talented teachers for urban schools. Paterson Teachers for Tomorrow (PT4T) was designed and implemented as one solution to meet this challenge.  PT4T is a collaborative project that began during the 1999-2000 school year through a generous donation by the Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation to establish Future Teachers of America (FTA) clubs in the three public high schools in Paterson, New Jersey. Students in the PT4T program promise to teach in the city of Paterson for a minimum of three years upon graduation, and in return are given a four-year scholarship to complete their William Paterson degree with teaching certification.  Restricted funds directed to PT4T will help expand this unique program that has reciprocal and lasting benefits for the students of the University and children in the city of Paterson.

Supporting the Russ Berrie Institute for Professional Sales
The Russ Berrie Institute for Professional Sales at William Paterson University is dedicated to advancing the field of professional sales by providing high quality educational, consulting, and training opportunities for both students and practicing business people. The first program of its kind in the Northeast, the Institute operates the Russ Berrie Professional Sales Laboratory, a unique facility designed to enable business students and professionals to learn sales in an interactive environment that simulates business offices.

Restricted funds directed to the Institute will support educational programs, community programs, as well as interdisciplinary programs in conjunction with the E*TRADE Financial Learning Center.

Supporting Asian Studies
Asia has the fastest growing economy in the world today, and the need to increase knowledge and understanding of this region among new generations of graduates has become increasingly important.

To prepare our students for this burgeoning reality, William Paterson University now offers a 30-credit bachelor’s degree and an 18-credit minor in Asian Studies. The degree in Asian Studies prepares students for careers in teaching, government, international business, non-governmental agencies and organizations, journalism, communications, and for advanced study. The new bachelor’s degree integrates the study of language along with Asian history, culture, economics, politics, and other significant issues. The program includes the study of East Asia (China and Japan), South Asia (notably, India), and Southeast Asia (the Phillipines). Language courses may be chosen from Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or Hindi. Restricted funds directed toward the Asian Studies program would help provide scholarship support for students, expand training in foreign languages and interdisciplinary studies, and support programs developed by the distinguished scholars on William Paterson's Asian Studies faculty.

Supporting the E*TRADE Financial Learning Center

Trading room at E*TRADE Financial Learning Center

The E*TRADE Financial Learning Center, a simulated electronic trading room and instructional facility, was the first of its kind in New Jersey and among a very few throughout the nation. Fully equipped with real-time data feeds, and contemporary financial software packages, the
E*TRADE Financial Learning Center was made possible by the efforts of Christos M. Cotsakos, former CEO of E*TRADE. The Center's technology is an integral part of the Christos M. Cotsakos College of Business.  Restricted funds directed to the Center will help the University to extend educational programs, interdisciplinary programs and community programs.

Supporting the Honors College
Funds restricted to the William Paterson University Honors College will significantly extend opportunities for learning for high achieving undergraduate students. Today the University offers honors programs in biopsychology, cognitive sciences, humanities, music, nursing, performing and literary arts, social sciences, and life science and environmental ethics.

The honors program began in 1976 to recognize the need to challenge students to higher levels of academic excellence. Approximately 400 students currently enroll in honors courses each year and a comprehensive program would enable many more students to benefit from this rewarding academic experience.  Support is needed for development and student and faculty research.