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
The William Paterson University Music Department will host Guitarfest 2026, a one-day festival devoted to the classical guitar, on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 11:00 to 9:00 p.m. The day’s events, all held on the University’s campus in Wayne, include a concert and master class presented by internationally acclaimed guitar soloist and chamber musician José Gabriel Maldonado Suárez. All events take place in Shea Recital Hall 101.
This annual celebration of the classical guitar is a focal point for guitar students at the University and a showcase for world-class artists of the classical guitar. Each year, the festival presents a featured artist whose performance in concert and master class teaching are the core events. Other events include a concert of solo and ensemble music by William Paterson guitar students; a performance by the New Jersey Guitar Orchestra led by Jayson Martinez; and a presentation on the Suzuki guitar school. The program is open to the public. Admission is $20 for the day, and free for William Paterson students.
The festival begins at 11 a.m. with a performance by William Paterson students studying in the guitar program. At 1:00 p.m., guitarist and William Paterson University guitar instructor Seth Himmelhoch will give a presentation on the Suzuki guitar school, including a screening of the short film Sounds of Success, followed by a question-and-answer session. The New Jersey Guitar Orchestra, led by Jayson Martinez, will perform at 2:15 p.m. The Maldonado Suárez master class will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by Maldonado Suárez in concert at 8:00 p.m.
Maldonado Suárez is a guitarist and educator who studied and researched music across a wide spectrum of sources and eras, with a particular focus on music of his native Puerto Rico. He is active both as a soloist and as a duo partner in two collaborations, Duo Copla (two guitars) and Weiwei & José (guitar and piano). Duo Copla has released three recordings and has performed internationally, including at the Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico, and at the Festival Internacional de Guitarra Ximénez Abril in Perú. Weiwei & José, a classical guitar and piano duo, has performed extensively throughout the New York City area, with appearances at John Jay College, Bloomingdale School of Music, the Brooklyn Classical Guitar Society, and more. Maldonado Suárez is a resident teaching artist and director of guitar studies at Bloomingdale School of Music and is a faculty member at John Jay College, City University of New York. He holds doctor of musical arts and master of music degrees from Stony Brook University.
Martinez is an award-winning music educator and guitarist whose accomplishments include winning the 2018 Teacher of the Year Award and being a nominee for the GRAMMY Music Educator’s Award in 2024 and 2025. He is the owner of Tremolo Music Studio in Clifton, and serves as the supervisor of visual and performing arts for the Newark Public Schools. In 2021, Martinez founded the New Jersey Guitar Orchestra, for which he serves as conductor. In 2022, the NJGO was featured at Merkin Hall in New York, performing with the United States Guitar Orchestra. In 2024 and 2025, the NJGO performed at Weill Hall in Carnegie Hall as featured guests for the Laureate Gala Series.
To learn more about William Paterson University Guitarfest 2026, contact Professor Seth Himmelhoch at 201-486-7744 or at himmelhochs@wpunj.edu.
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
