Dale Caldwell, President, Centenary University
“Higher education has to be responsive to the needs of its customers: the students,” Dale Caldwell, president of Centenary University, told Invest:, emphasizing the critical need for modern higher education to align with the evolving demands and expectations of students. This perspective suggests a dynamic shift in how universities define and deliver value in today’s world.
What changes have affected Centenary University the most in the last year?
Last year threw us some curveballs, especially with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) delay affecting student funding and hitting us hard, since our endowment isn’t huge. But we pulled through and even boosted enrollment. With limited state funds from New Jersey, we focused on getting creative. We’ve done a great job increasing fundraising and strengthening our relationships with community colleges in Sussex, Warren, and Morris counties, as well as our presence in Pleasantville. Being the farthest west and south independent school in New Jersey, we teamed up with the Ideal Institute of Technology for vocational training, which works perfectly for students who want to start with that and then jump into higher ed. Now we have a clear path from vocational to Ph.D.’s.
What should be the value proposition of higher education in modern times?
Higher education must cater to the needs of its customers: the students. Drawing from my 11 years at Deloitte Consulting, I approach this with a consultant’s perspective. The goal is to effectively serve the marketplace. This marketplace is diverse, encompassing individuals who range from those opting for vocational training to those pursuing doctorates and those who seek certifications.
We are segmenting our offerings into five distinct areas. First, the vocational sector, where we’ve partnered with the Ideal Institute of Technology to offer programs in robotics, computer science, construction engineering, and HVAC. Second, we have traditional undergraduate programs. Here, we are innovating by establishing a working BA program. This addresses the dilemma many students face: college versus work. Our program enables students to work full-time while earning their BA degree. This innovative undergraduate option allows them to earn money and their degree simultaneously. In graduate programs, we are pioneers with the world’s first Master’s in Happiness Studies. This program, initiated after Harvard declined to launch it despite its popularity, has attracted students from 23 countries. Its success has spurred us to develop a Ph.D. program. Alongside this, we offer a traditional MBA, strong education programs, psychology programs, and more. Essentially, we are committed to aligning our offerings with the diverse needs of the marketplace.
How is Centenary University adapting its courses and its offerings to meet the needs of a fast-changing job market?
We’re working closely with companies to make sure our MBA and finance degrees make a difference for them. What’s cool about us is our Applied One Institution model. Basically, we’re all about giving students knowledge they can use in the real world. That’s different from places like Rutgers, which are more about research. I even started the Institute of Entrepreneurs, where students carry out consulting for local businesses. It’s a great way for them to learn by doing and get ready for the job market. It’s all about connecting with the business world directly.
What are the university’s initiatives to attract a larger student population?
Centenary University, while not as widely recognized as some, is actively promoting itself to school districts and community colleges, highlighting its distinctive offerings. Situated in rural Northwest New Jersey, the university boasts an exceptional equestrian program, which is nationally ranked and victorious against prestigious institutions like USC and Stanford. This program provides students, especially those from urban backgrounds, a unique opportunity to experience a rural setting, address personal well-being, and potentially return to contribute to their communities. This strategy has proven effective in attracting individuals to Centenary. Regarding AI integration, the university views it as a valuable tool, much like the internet or calculators, rather than solely as a means for students to cheat. While directly relying on AI to complete assignments is discouraged, the focus is on teaching students to skillfully utilize AI as a tool, specifically in prompting, preparing them for its application in the professional realm as dictated by their future employers.
In which ways is Centenary University promoting not only leadership values but also helping students to strive for excellence on all fronts?
We focus on making sure students succeed after graduation by building emotional resilience so they can handle whatever life throws at them, sparking intellectual curiosity to keep them learning forever, and developing intercultural skills to work well with people from all backgrounds in today’s world. These qualities help our students excel in any job they choose. This unique focus makes Centenary stand out.
What is your outlook for the education landscape in the next two to three years?
The rapid pace of global change is being dramatically accelerated by AI. While this creates challenges for independent universities, especially in the current climate, institutions with innovative, personalized programs are poised to thrive. It’s crucial to advocate for personalized student attention, which will be a key factor in the future of education. We may see a consolidation of independent schools, with those remaining being highly focused. Many students who express concerns about college readiness succeed and even pursue graduate studies, proving the power of the American Dream – going from humble beginnings to success. The future of education lies in a more deliberate approach, where personalized attention is a central offering.
