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2014 James W. Schmotter to retire after 10 years as president of WCSU



Image of James W. SchmotterDANBURY, CONN.
James W. Schmotter, president of Western Connecticut State University, announced on Nov. 25, 2014, that he will retire on July 1, 2015, after more than 10 years leading WCSU.

“I can’t say enough about the enthusiasm, commitment and accomplishments of this university’s faculty, staff and students,” Schmotter said in an email to the university. “And our external stakeholders have consistently provided support that has been both materially valuable and emotionally inspiring. It’s been an honor and a joy to work with you all over the past decade. I’ll treasure always the memories of our time together.”

Schmotter joined Western from Western Michigan University, where he was dean of Haworth College of Business and professor of management. His teaching career started at Northwestern University and he first became an administrator at the State University of New York at Binghamton. He also served at Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management and was dean of the College of Business and Economics at Lehigh University.

He is married to Dr. Daphne Jameson, a Professor Emerita of Business Communication at Cornell University.

On June 26, 2015, the university will host a retirement dinner and celebration honoring the dedication and accomplishments of Dr. James W. Schmotter.

For more information, call the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.


Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.