Western New England University

President Hartman’s first day on campus reflected what makes Western New England University a true place of possibility: a community that shows up, connects, and supports one another.

Faculty and staff gathered for coffee and conversation with to welcome him as he begins his tenure as the 7th President of Western New England University.

Every great institution is shaped by the people who lead it, and today, Western New England University welcomes its next great leader.

Dr. Joseph C. Hartman becomes the 7th President of WNE, stepping into a role built on more than a century of academic excellence, student achievement, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve.

Welcome to the Golden Bear Community, President Joseph Hartman, WNE President!

Our Orientation Group Leaders (OGLs) are ready for SOAR! ☀️

They've been working hard to prepare for your SOAR sessions, and we can't wait to have our newest Golden Bears on campus. 🐻💙

If you haven't already registered for your SOAR session, there is still time! https://wne.edu/soar/

Monday, June 8
Transfer SOAR, Wednesday, June 10
Friday, June 12
Tuesday, June 16
Thursday, June 18

"Economic justice is at the core of the Center's work." That's how Zachary Bleckner, director of WNE Law's Center for Social Justice, frames the mission: pairing free legal representation for individuals facing debt collection with immersive, real-world training for WNE Law students.

The Center's reach is expanding through initiatives such as the CORI Sealing & Expungement Project, which help community members reduce barriers to employment, housing, and long-term stability.

Read the full story:

Inside WNE Law’s Center for Social Justice In courtrooms, classrooms, and communities across Western Massachusetts, Western New England University School of Law’s Center for Social Justice is helping individuals navigate some of their most difficult financial and legal challenges—while preparing the next generation of attorneys to do the...

A moment lasts for seconds, but the memories last forever!💛🐻💙

The University is pleased to offer a collection of Commencement images for you to download and share with family and friends! In addition to these complimentary photos, professional portraits of each graduate are available for purchase through LifeTouch.

You can access both on the official Commencement site to secure your favorite memories of this milestone achievement.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Here’s to everything you’ve accomplished, and to everything you’re going to do in the future. 🐻💛🎓

We’ll see our graduating Golden Bears tomorrow! 💛🐻💙