HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — Centenary University has appointed Thomas Jordan, Ph.D., as vice president of academic affairs, effective Aug. 1, the school announced Monday.
In his new role, Jordan will support the strategic initiatives of Centenary University President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., to extend the institution’s brand as a global resource for market-driven academic and workforce development programs. He will oversee curriculum development, faculty affairs, retention, and student success outcomes.
A higher education administrator with more than 25 years of experience, Jordan most recently served as provost and vice president of academic programs and services at the State University of New York at Delhi, where he was also a professor of sociology and music. During his tenure, SUNY Delhi restructured its academic schools, launched new programs, and implemented a plan to improve student retention, success, and graduation rates.
“Dr. Jordan is an innovative and effective leader, with a visionary approach in creating and managing both academic and workforce development programs,” Caldwell said. “His experience is a natural fit to support my comprehensive strategic initiative to create extraordinary educational opportunities at Centenary University for traditional college students, as well as working adults and vocational students.”
Jordan previously held leadership positions at the University of Lynchburg in Virginia, the SUNY Educational Opportunity Center in the Bronx, and at York College and Hunter College within the City University of New York system, among other institutions. He earned his undergraduate degree at Hunter College, a master’s in higher education administration from New York University, and a Ph.D. in sociology from The Graduate Center at CUNY.
“Centenary University is a well-respected institution with a dynamic and dedicated faculty, staff, and administrators,” Jordan said. “Led by Dr. Caldwell, this team is advancing an exciting plan to build on Centenary’s growing reputation as an educational leader that supports the success of students from all walks of life with a broad range of career and life goals. I’m confident that my extensive experience in program development, student success, workforce development, and administrative acumen will be an asset to the University and its mission.”
