HIGHER EDUCATION
HIGHER EDUCATION
Caldwell Caps His Career as Centenary University Head
By Diane C . Walsh Editor , COMMERCE
Dale Caldwell was not looking for a new home , but he found it at Centenary University .
A Princeton graduate , who also earned a master ’ s degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate at Seton Hall University , Caldwell has an extensive resume . His career is layered with accomplishments : a senior manager at Deloitte Consulting , a three-time school president , chair of two housing authority boards , deputy commissioner of the N . J . Department of Community Affairs , founding executive director of the Newark Alliance and most recently executive director of the Rothman Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Fairleigh Dickinson University .
While he was serving as a member of Centenary University Board of Trustees last year , the school began searching for a new president . “ At first I wasn ’ t going to apply ,” Caldwell said , adding that college president had never been among his goals . But when he read the school ’ s criteria it mirrored his life – leadership experience , business background , entrepreneurial bent , and community engagement .
Caldwell competed against more than 100 applicants . It was an “ intense process ,” he said , recalling the rounds of interviews and discussions . As it progressed , he became more enthusiastic and eager to become the independent private school ’ s 15th president and the first African American in the role . He attained the prize earlier this year when the trustees named him president-elect to succeed Bruce Murphy , who had shepherded the school through the pandemic . On July 1 , Caldwell officially took over as president .
“ The greatness of Centenary has not been spread around New Jersey or even around the country the way it should be ,” said the new president , who promises that elevating the school ’ s profile will be among his priorities .
Centenary has a rich 155-year history , dating to when it was founded by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church . With its scenic main campus in Hackettstown , Centenary is the only four-year university in the Skylands Region of the state . It ’ s known for its national level equestrian center . In recent years it also has made headlines for its master ’ s program in happiness studies .
This online graduate degree is offered with one of the world ’ s leading experts , Dr . Tal
Ben-Shahar , a Harvard-educated psychologist who also taught happiness studies at Columbia University . The program explores such topics as leadership , education , ethics , happiness , self-esteem , resilience , goal-setting and mindfulness . It is designed to prepare students to advance into supervisory and management positions in any career field .
Caldwell described Professor Ben-Shahar as a “ rock star ” and wants to expand the happiness studies into a “ sensitivity and emotional well-being program .” The new president has served as a pastor in inner cities churches and believes many youths suffer from what he calls “ urban traumatic stress disorder .”
As pastor of Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield , Caldwell is following the footsteps of his father and grandfather . His father , Rev . Gilbert H . Caldwell Jr ., knew Dr . Martin Luther King Jr . and participated in civil rights marches with him . The new president ’ s
Caldwell described Professor Ben-Shahar as a “ rock star ” and wants to expand the happiness studies into a “ sensitivity and emotional well-being program .”
compassionate , caring and successful leadership approach is based on the inclusive leadership style demonstrated by Dr . King .
Caldwell hopes an emotional well-being program will help students meet whatever challenges they face . He said the concept is already being put to work as Centenary hosts the football team from nearby Sussex County Community College in its residence halls this summer . Many students from urban centers attend the community college in Newton . “ We want to make them feel welcome and at-home ,” Caldwell said , explaining the community college had no dorms to offer the student athletes . Centenary will integrate them and even offer counseling programs .
The new president has high ambitions for his school . In his discussions with academic , business and community leaders , Caldwell is developing a “ profile ” of a Centenary graduate to help him hone the responsibilities of his new position . Through the policies and programs he
Dale Caldwell , president of Centenary University
adopts , Caldwell wants his graduates to display : intellectual curiosity , emotional resilience , a professional skills set , inter-cultural confidence and community engagement .
His plan is to live on campus in the president ’ s house . But Caldwell will also keep his residence in Middlesex County and his seat on the New Brunswick Board of Education . The school board position gives him critical insights into the K-12 grades , the new president said .
One of his foremost goals is to increase the university ’ s student population to 1,900 , which would represent an influx of 300 . Fund-raising will also be key , he said . There are so many facets to Centenary ’ s story and Caldwell is anxious to tell them . For instance , the Grace Y . Bissett and Louise Monez Hill Scholarship , established by an alumni , grants a full ride to a student pursuing a career in race relations . The scholarship is only in its second year and Caldwell wants to make certain it is promoted fully .
Caldwell was invited to participate in a program for new college presidents from through the country at Harvard University . While his peers might be from some of the nation ’ s biggest colleges , Caldwell said he would not trade places with them . He believes Centenary is perfect for him because “ we can move quickly and make a difference .”
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