Connecticut resident brings more than two decades of experience in higher education administration to Centenary University
HACKETTSTOWN, NJ (Warren County) – Centenary University President Bruce Murphy, Ed.D., has announced the appointment of David P. Dauwalder, Ph.D., to the position of interim vice president of academic affairs.
A resident of Hamden, Conn., Dr. Dauwalder will begin his tenure on July 1. He will replace Amy D’Olivo, Ph.D., the University’s current vice president of academic affairs, who will retire June 30.
“Dr. Dauwalder is a seasoned professional who brings important skills to Centenary at a pivotal time for this University,” Dr. Murphy said. “Centenary is expanding its academic offerings to meet emerging market needs.Dr. Dauwalder’s extensive experience in higher education administration will be invaluable in advancing our strategic plan to strengthen Centenary’s role as the intellectual, economic, and cultural heart of the Skylands Region.”
Dr. Dauwalder most recently served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Central Connecticut State University. Throughout his career, he has held senior administrative roles at institutions including the University of the Pacific, Woodbury University, the University of New Haven, California State University—Stanislaus, Central Washington University, and California State University—Los Angeles. He has also served as a faculty member in the business departments at a number of universities.
A graduate of Northern Arizona University, Dr. Dauwalder holds a Master of Arts in Education and a Doctor of Philosophy in Secondary Education from Arizona State University.
Dr. Dauwalder pointed to his experience implementing and growing online and off-site academic programs as a benefit to advancing new, market-driven initiatives at Centenary University.
“Achieving the right mix of on-ground, hybrid, and online courses in this post-pandemic environment is a challenge faced by every college and university. Addressing broad sets of challenges in a variety of institutions and situations has allowed me to draw from these experiences in working with and leading colleagues to move universities forward. At Centenary University, this experience will be useful in identifying additional areas of opportunity in the long term,” Dr. Dauwalder said.
