February 3, 2017

Hackettstown, N.J., February 3, 2017 –The National Superintendent of the Year 2016 is currently teaching at Centenary University this Spring. Dr. Timothy Purnell received this accolade from the National School Superintendent Association and is teaching Critical Thinking, Moral Education and Ethics, which is part of Centenary’s new doctorate program in Educational Leadership.

In his position of Superintendent for Somerville Public Schools, he oversees a 44 million dollar budget, as well as the educational services, stakeholder communications and personnel management for the district’s schools. He was also named the NJ State Superintendent of the Year in 2015 and was also previously named Highest Rated National Adjunct Professor by RateMyProfessors.com for his teaching at Montclair State University. As of August 1, 2017, he will serve as Executive Director of the American Montessori Society based in New York City.

Dr. Purnell holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Delaware. In addition, he earned a master’s degree in administration from Montclair State University and a doctorate in education from Seton Hall University.

“We are extremely privileged to have Dr. Purnell teaching at Centenary University this semester,” says Dr. Timothy Frederiks, Chair of the Education Department and Assistant Professor of Education at Centenary University. “The students will benefit tremendously from his expertise and insight.”

Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University is an independent, coeducational liberal arts and career studies university distinguished by an accomplished faculty, small class size and diverse student body. Centenary is the only baccalaureate and master’s degree granting institution in northwest New Jersey.

Centenary University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township (Morris County). The Centenary University School of Professional Studies offers degree programs in two locations: Parsippany and Edison, and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey. The School of International Programs recruits international students for study at Centenary and Centenary students for study abroad.

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