WPU Presidential Finalist: Emile Netzhammer, III

Emile Netzhammer, III, an alumnus of the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, with a Ph.D. in Communication, is a finalist in William Paterson University’s search to replace former President Dr. Arnold Speert.  After holding key senior leadership positions at Keen Sate College, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, 2006 to present, and Buffalo State College, Dean of Arts and Humanities, 1999 to 2006, Netzhammer feels his experiences have prepared him to lead WPU through challenges and opportunities in the coming years.

            “I believe the university’s priorities match my professional interests and strengths,” commented Netzhammer in his application to Robert H. Taylor, Chair of the Presidential Search Committee. “I can provide exciting, skillful and motivating leadership.”

            Netzhammer’s familiarity with enrollment management, planning, diversity, technology, fiscal management and development, and academic distinctiveness has presented him with gateways to hold various administrative positions; ones that have allowed him to virtually improve the university over the years. 

            While at Keene State, Netzhammer, along with faculty and staff, completed a planning process which transformed the university from a 3-credit model to a 4-credit model; each course and program had been revised. Then, along with other initiatives put forth at the university, U.S. News reclassified Keene State College as a Tier I institution from a Tier III.

            Though WPU is looking for a candidate with much promise for the university’s academic curriculum, it is also looking for someone who brings forward student engagement and recognizes those working to make the institution run, including staff, faculty and outside partners.

            “The President must be a relationship builder- on campus, with students, faculty and staff, the Senate and bargaining units, and in the community, with alumni, business leaders and state official,” noted Netzhammer.  “A primary focus of my leadership is public engagement.  Fundamentally, the college must be of the community, not just located there.”

            Netzhammer has had the opportunity to work alongside some of the best in higher education, allowing him to become uniquely qualified to possibly lead WPU.  Ultimately, he would like to expand the student enrollment to 15,000, build the endowment and other external supports, and increase the profile of the campus as a premier regional comprehensive university in the northeast.

            “I have great passion for the transformative work we do in higher education, and great respect for the traditions of the academy,” added Netzhammer. “I am personally engaged by the exciting changes new pedagogies, social media and student life are bringing to our campuses, and I am deeply committed to exploring new directions for higher education.”

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