Becoming a leading force at William Paterson University and shaping students’ academic and personal journeys wasn’t always Dr. Wartyna Davis’ plan. But a single conversation set her on that path.
“Have you ever thought about getting a doctorate in political science?” a professor once asked her at the University of Alabama when she was deciding between an MBA and an MPA. That question set her on a course she hadn’t previously considered. After earning a PhD from Florida State University, she eventually landed at William Paterson in 1998. The decision, she says, was easy.
“I was drawn to William Paterson because when I visited the student center, there were animated students engaging with each other,” Davis recalled. “The faculty in the political science department were just amazing—it was clear they centered the experience of students at the heart of their work.”
Almost three decades later, Davis has worn many hats at the university. Her experience as a professor and administrator even shaped her tenure as a Bloomfield Township councilperson-at-large.
“My experiences here shaped the way I govern,” she said. “Understanding the day-to-day challenges of different people, not just professors or students, but a variety of individuals.”
In an exclusive interview last week with the Beacon, Dr. Wartyna L. Davis, the dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, said she cherishes the interactions she has with alumni who fill her in on what they’ve been up to after graduating. Her commitment to student success—during and after college— continues to define how she leads today.
Her commitment to encouraging dialogue was evident when she served as Interim Chief Diversity Officer from 2018 to 2019. In that role, she worked closely with students and faculty on cultural competency, unconscious biases, and best practices for faculty search committees.
“It was a really exciting time in my life,” Davis said. “I had the opportunity to facilitate critical conversations, help faculty navigate challenges in the classroom, and meet with students who had concerns.”
Davis demonstrated her advocacy for journalism and media literacy when asked if students should join the Beacon.
The Dean added: “Critical journalism is absolutely vital for democracy,” she asserted. “I have seen how the lack of critical journalism is impacting our society, and it saddens me. Accountability matters.”
Davis–who minored in computer science–also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary learning, particularly the connection between STEM and the humanities.
“Science helps you figure out how to make a dinosaur,” she quipped. “But humanities tell you why you shouldn’t.”
Her advice for students? Take full advantage of the college experience.
“Treat your experience as an opportunity to garner as much about the world and as many skills as possible,” she urged. “There’s no other time in your life when you’ll have access to so many resources and opportunities.”
Ultimately, what Dean Davis cherishes most about William Paterson is the lasting impact of student connections.
“I love watching students while they’re here, but seeing them blossom afterward is just amazing,” she said. “That’s why I do this—to support, inspire, and witness the incredible journeys of my students,” she shared warmly, reinforcing why she chose academia: to support, inspire, and witness the remarkable journeys of her students.
