New Principal for Widener Partnership Charter School
Students at the Widener Partnership Charter School returned to school today and met their new leader, Roy T. Wilson., who started in July as principal and chief executive officer.
Wilson was selected after a national search, with input from a committee of representatives from the university and the charter school, members of the Chester community, and school parents. He has 20 years of experience in education and has served as a principal in the North Brunswick Public Schools and Newark Public Schools in New Jersey. He also served as an assistant superintendent in the Trenton Public Schools, where he began his career as a third-grade teacher.
Wilson received his doctorate in educational leadership from the College of St. Elizabeth, a master’s degree in educational leadership from The College of New Jersey, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Grambling State University.
“One of the many reasons I was attracted to the Widener Partnership Charter School was the ability to work at the intersection of the school, the university, and the community,” Wilson said. “I see many outstanding opportunities for WPCS students and for Widener students to engage and learn from each other.”
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Wilson to the Widener Partnership Charter School,” said Robin Dole, dean of the School of Human Service Professions and chair of the Widener Partnership Charter School Board. “Widener is deeply committed to providing quality education at all levels to students in Chester, and to preparing our youngest students to be successful, lifelong learners. Dr. Wilson’s breadth of experience and his passion for education make him a great fit for this important leadership role.”
The Widener Partnership Charter School approach to education emphasizes a low student-to-teacher ratio, the social and emotional development of each student, a close partnership with parents and caregivers, and the inclusion of music, art, physical and health education and foreign language instruction as integral parts of the curriculum. In addition, charter school alumni who meet Widener University admission criteria during their high school years are eligible for grants of $100,000 over four years to pursue an undergraduate education full time at Widener.
The university-charter school partnership also benefits the young learners through use of Widener’s Wolfgram Memorial Library, and resources available through the Center for Education, Center for Social Work Education, and the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology.
“Widener University is committed to enhancing education at all levels in our community,” Widener President Julie E. Wollman said. “Dr. Wilson has spent his first weeks not only getting to know the charter school, but the community surrounding it – by driving Chester streets and walking city sidewalks, all in addition to his time at the school. He has a deep respect for community-based education and I know the charter school students and their families will be positively impacted by his leadership.”
