Centenary University celebrates diversity and we strive to build a community that resonates with our core values. We aspire to be a model for the Skylands Region, exemplifying a community model that celebrates diversity, welcomes divergent voices, and grows stronger with every new member. To ensure that our community represents our world, we offer open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development. We accept and respect all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or any other aspect which makes them unique.
We are committed to creating and maintaining an intellectual, cultural, and social environment in which every student may think, learn, and grow without prejudice, without intimidation, and without discrimination. A wide range of experiences and viewpoints will only enhance the educational experiences of each member of our community. We foster an atmosphere in which personal dignity and respect for the individual are practiced and recognized by everyone.
We work to cultivate a culture where inclusiveness is the norm, not an initiative. Interactions within our community contribute to creativity and growth, both for individuals and for the community as a whole. Respect, tolerance, and goodwill are fundamental aspects of our values, which allow us to enjoy and to learn from the diversity that surrounds us. Every person has potential to share and contribute to our community, but in order to engage in the community, each person must feel valued and included. We want everyone in our community to share an experience of pride, passion, and belonging. As such, we encourage and appreciate activities and events that foster learning about the diversity of our world.
Each of our lives are enriched by the diverse individuals, groups, and cultures of our campus community. Daily interactions with one another allow opportunities to engage in respectful and civil communication. As we learn to interact effectively with one another, we also learn how to take part in the increasingly complex and pluralistic global society that exists outside our small community. A diverse and inclusive community adds dimension and depth to the education and experiences that our students will carry with them as they enter the greater world after graduation. Our endeavors to embrace diversity, build inclusion, and instill a sense of belonging reflect our core values and underscore our commitment to contributing to a better world.
Centenary University requests that all students, faculty, and staff participate in an annual training about Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging.
Black History Month
Soul Food Music & Games
An evening celebrating Black History month with authentic soul food, music, and games. Soul food brings together culinary traditions from West Africa, Western Europe, and the Americas. The cuisine originated in the deep south, but the comfort of soul food and the delicious recipes travelled with millions of African Americans as they moved North, Midwest, and West during the Great Migration.
Dialogues & Deeds Discussion
Dialogues & Deeds creates a safe space for students, faculty, and staff to participate in civil discussions about topics that are important and relevant to students. While the goal is simply for greater understanding and empathy, there is always an opportunity to improve and create change.
Cent Cinema
Cent Cinema celebrates Black History Month by promoting diversity in media and offering learning experiences, not only about history, but also about the world we live in today. The films honor the stories and achievements of Black Americans.
Harlem Nights
An elegant evening in the Seay Front Parlors that pays homage to African American history and culture. A cocktail hour, followed by a formal dinner, and entertainment make students feel as if they have stepped off campus and into history.
Friday Film Club
Art is one of the most powerful tools to influence social change and popular culture. Films, as an art form, are current and easily accessible for students. The Friday Film Club allows the campus to participate in powerful conversations that help to build community. Students, faculty, and staff view the movies throughout the week and discussions are held in the Multicultural Room every Friday.
Hosted by the Assistant Dean of Diversity on March 23, 2022
Kecia Daniels 
“You Got This”
“It’s hard to imagine yourself in a career when you don’t think you can do it or you don’t see yourself represented, but if I can do it, they can do it too.”
Kecia Daniels is a native daughter of Newark, NJ. She’s an attorney with over 25 years of private and public sector experience in employment and insurance matters. As a city administrator, she’s involved in various projects ranging from community development to multimillion-dollar contract negotiations.
She’s an advocate for empowering women and will discuss her career drive and the lessons she has learned along the way.
News
Centenary University Marks Black History Month
Dale G. Caldwell, Ed.D., Named 15th President of Centenary University
Centenary University Student Recognized by NAACP Bergen County Branch – Centenary University
50 Years of Title IX at Centenary University – Centenary University
Centenary University to Launch New NCAA DIII Women’s Wrestling Program – Centenary University
Hispanic Heritage Month Events at Centenary University – Centenary University
Centenary University Announces Selection of First Recipient of the Grace Y. Bissett and Louise Monez Hill Scholarship – Centenary University
The Grace Y. Bissett and Louise Monez Hill Scholarship Fund – Centenary University
Accounting for Success: Centenary University’s Big Two at the Big Four – Centenary University
Student Spotlight
QUIOMARIE
Where are you in your Centenary Career and do you have a plan for after graduation?
I am approaching my final year of Graduate School. I am currently enrolled in the Graduate Clinical Counseling program. After graduation, I will then prepare for the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification, a 200-question, multiple-choice examination administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. It assesses knowledge, skills, and abilities in effective counseling services.
Favorite Centenary class and why?
My favorite class at Centenary would be Group Dynamics. This course gave me hands on experience as well as the confidence to enter the counseling field. I truly enjoy group counseling and the setting it creates for clients. Being in a room with others in similar (and somewhat different) situations, group members can gain perspectives from one another and practice skills that lead to lasting changes.
What is it about Centenary has helped you be successful?
Being an EOP student at Centenary University has helped me become successful in many ways. The program provides admission, academic, and financial assistance to eligible undergraduate students. Because of EOP I was the first in my family to graduate college. Centenary is also a small school, which helped me create relationships with professors and connect with other students on campus. Overall, Centenary gave me a more intimate college experience.
Favorite Centenary Memory?
My favorite memory would be the EOP Light the Quad event at Centenary. This event brings different organizations together to decorate the Quad with holiday lights. Other activities include, decorating holiday hats, stockings, and cookies, while enjoying hot cocoa, apple cider, and sweet treats. This event is a perfect example of the positive community Centenary University creates. Each one of us has a community that gives us a sense of belonging. Events such as Light the Quad reminds us that we are all in this together and never alone.
Advice for current or prospective Centenary students?
Advice I would give to Centenary students is to step out of your comfort zone and join student organizations that you’re passionate about. It is also important to use resources that are available on campus such as the writing center and tutoring center. I believe that going to the writing center and tutoring center can really improve your grades. I am grateful to those resources on my campus for helping me until the end. Lastly, set high personal and academic standards for yourself, and live up to them.
Alumni Spotlight
NAJEE
What are you doing now?
I currently work in Student Affairs, specifically in the Residence Life Department at a Private Liberal Arts college.
What was it about Centenary that helped you be successful?
Centenary helped me become aware of my comfort zone and break those barriers, which helped me grow personally and professionally. Throughout my time at Centenary, I was afforded the opportunity to take on many student leadership roles, such as Student Government Vice President, Lead Resident Assistant, Black Student Union Chaplain, and Transfer Counselor. Working in Centenary’s Student Life Department as a student staff helped me discover my passion for student development and student engagement. After graduating from Centenary, I attended graduate school with a focus on Higher Education and Student Counseling.
Favorite Centenary Memory?
My favorite Centenary moment was when I was ordained at my neighborhood church in Newark, NJ. My ordination service has been the highlight of my ministerial journey. It was more memorable because when I looked in the congregation, my Centenary family (EOP family and staff members) drove an hour away from campus on a Friday night to celebrate this momentous occasion with me. My Centenary family’s attendance showed me that their love and support have no borders and goes beyond the campus.
Advice for current or prospective Centenary students?
Don’t let fear, discomfort, and ambiguity hold you back from embarking on new opportunities, adventures, and challenges within your time at Centenary. Just remember your time at Centenary is not supposed to destroy you but develop you into a well-rounded individual.
Advisory Board Members
Kerry Mullins – Dean of Students, Vice-President of Student Life
Devon Vialva – Assistant Dean of Diversity & Educational Opportunities
Christine Rosado – Director of Human Resources
Matt Lavery – Director of Residence Life
Eunice Boyd – Education Opportunity Program Assistant Director
Kathleen Greco – Community Engagement and Diversity Inclusion & Belonging
Tara Clausen – Professor of Equine Studies
Zaria Moore – Grace Y. Bissett and Louise Monez Hill Scholarship Recipient
Kamirah Owens – Student Representative