HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — Bishop John R. Schol has been appointed the 16th president of Centenary University for a two-year term beginning Dec. 1, the university’s Board of Trustees announced Tuesday.
Schol, a longtime trustee and nationally recognized faith and civic leader, will succeed Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., who was elected New Jersey lieutenant governor earlier this month. Caldwell will remain at Centenary until January, and the two will work together during the transition “to ensure continued stability and clarity for the campus community,” the board said.
In announcing the appointment, the Board of Trustees cited Schol’s decades of experience in education, organizational leadership and global partnerships, as well as his longstanding commitment to Centenary’s mission to deliver “dynamic learning experiences that educate regional and global leaders within a culture of service.” Founded in 1867, Centenary is affiliated with The United Methodist Church.
“This appointment reflects our confidence in Bishop Schol’s ability to lead the University during this important period,” the board said in a statement. “He is an accomplished national and global leader in education, community development, and civic engagement who brings to Centenary decades of experience in organizational growth, student-centered leadership, and global partnerships. The two-year appointment will utilize Bishop Schol’s experience and skills to collaborate with the Centenary community and our external partners to build on the more than 150 years of Centenary’s history and further develop its academic strategy, fundraising, enrollment, and operations. We are grateful to Dr. Caldwell for his two years of service and to Bishop Schol for his willingness to serve.”
Centenary has expanded its regional and national profile in recent years. For the second consecutive year, the university was named a Top Performer in Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026 Best Colleges rankings. The university’s equine studies program produced two national champion riders last year, and its Centenary University Enactus business team placed third at nationals. Centenary also drew global attention for launching what it says is the world’s first Ph.D. in Happiness Studies, building on the success of its Master of Arts program.
Schol, a Philadelphia native, served 25 years as a pastor and denominational executive before being consecrated a bishop in 2004. He led the United Methodists in Greater New Jersey for 12 years, directing major disaster-relief programs—including a Superstorm Sandy recovery effort that engaged more than 12,000 volunteers and raised $17 million—and building long-term global partnerships. Following his 2024 retirement, he served as interim lead bishop in Nigeria to help reorganize The United Methodist Church there.
He holds degrees from Moravian University and Boston University and has served on numerous higher education boards, including American University, Drew University, Lebanon Valley College, Wesley Theological Seminary and multiple United Methodist–affiliated institutions.
“I share Centenary University’s ongoing commitment to student success, academic excellence, and community impact,” Schol said. “This University has a long and proud history of preparing graduates for meaningful and purposeful lives. Together with students and faculty, I look forward to building on current momentum to pursue new opportunities for innovation, experiential learning, and global engagement. Now, as I assume the presidency of Centenary University, I ask for your prayers for me—as well as our faculty, staff, and students—as we recommit ourselves to advancing the mission of this great University.”
