The rating upgrade on New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority's bonds, issued for William Paterson University, reflects: * A strong culture of self-study and effective strategic planning—management, led by President Arnold Speert (who has been in office since 1985) and Provost Chernoh Sesay, have instituted a number of comprehensive efforts resulting in enhanced facilities, a strengthened curriculum, and improved student retention; * Increasing enrollment tied to higher levels of freshmen matriculations and improved retention; * Consistent state support—since at least 1986, William Paterson has ranked fifth in the state of New Jersey's ('AA+' GO rating) funding hierarchy for its 12 institutions of higher education. While this level of support is not expected to grow significantly over the next several years, the
