Bishop John R. Schol Appointed the 16^th President of Centenary University 

A highly respected religious leader and longtime Centenary University trustee, Bishop Schol succeeds Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., who was recently elected lieutenant governor of New Jersey.

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, Nov. 25, 2025—Bishop John R. Schol has been named president of Centenary University for a two-year term, the University’s Board of Trustees announced today. A highly respected faith, civic, and organizational leader and longtime member of the Centenary University Board of Trustees, Bishop Schol will begin his tenure as president on Dec. 1. He succeeds Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., who was elected New Jersey lieutenant governor in November’s general election. Dr. Caldwell will remain at the University until his departure in January. They will work collaboratively to ensure continued stability and clarity for the campus community. 

In announcing the appointment, the Centenary University Board of Trustees noted Bishop Schol’s deep commitment to Centenary University’s mission to deliver dynamic learning experiences that educate regional and global leaders within a culture of service. Founded in 1867, Centenary is an independent institution of higher learning affiliated with The United Methodist Church. 

“This appointment reflects our confidence in Bishop Schol’s ability to lead the University during this important period,” a statement from the board said. “He is an accomplished national and global leader in education, community development, and civic engagement who brings to Centenary decades of experience in organizational growth, student-centered leadership, and global partnerships. The two-year appointment will utilize Bishop Schol’s experience and skills to collaborate with the Centenary community and our external partners to build on the more than 150 years of Centenary’s history and further develop its academic strategy, fundraising, enrollment, and operations. We are grateful to Dr. Caldwell for his two years of service and to Bishop Schol for his willingness to serve. We look forward to working together to advance Centenary’s mission and support the success of our students.”

Over the last decade, Centenary University’s regional brand has grown to attain national and international prominence. For the second consecutive year, the University was named a Top Performer in Social Mobility in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges ranking. An equine studies powerhouse, Centenary’s program last year produced two national champion riders and two equestrian teams placed in the top four at their respective national championships. In addition, Centenary University Enactus—a competitive business team—placed third at nationals in May. Last summer, the University also introduced the world’s first Ph.D. in Happiness Studies, building on the success of its Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, which has enrolled hundreds of students from around the world.

Born and raised in a working-class family in Philadelphia, Bishop Schol was consecrated as a bishop in 2004 after serving 25 years as a pastor, community developer, and denominational executive. Eight years later, he was assigned to lead the United Methodists in Greater New Jersey, a role he held until his retirement in 2024. Under his leadership, the conference created new resources for clergy and laity; launched a nonprofit to respond to Superstorm Sandy, recruiting more than 12,000 volunteers and raising $17 million over five years to repair or build 273 homes; and guided leaders to institute a fundraising campaign to support long term disaster recovery in Puerto Rico, ministry and a mission site in Tanzania, and a community development organization providing social services, affordable housing, and feeding programs for vulnerable populations. After his retirement in 2024, Bishop Schol was called to serve as the interim lead bishop of Nigeria to reorganize The United Methodist Church in Nigeria after the former bishop resigned. 

A graduate of Moravian University, Bishop Schol earned a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Boston University. In addition to the Centenary University Board of Trustees, he has served on numerous education-related boards, including American University, where he chaired the Academic Affairs Committee, Wesley Theological Seminary, Lebanon Valley College, Moravian University, Wesley College in Tanzania, where he chaired the board, Drew University, where he chaired the School of Theology Advisory Board, The Pennington School, and the New Jersey Coalition for Diverse and Inclusive Schools, Inc. Bishop Schol was also a member of the adjunct faculty at Springfield College in Delaware, teaching courses in leadership, organizational development, and multiculturalism.

“I share Centenary University’s ongoing commitment to student success, academic excellence, and community impact,” said Bishop Schol, who is married with three children and four grandchildren. “This University has a long and proud history of preparing graduates for meaningful and purposeful lives. Together with students and faculty, I look forward to building on current momentum to pursue new opportunities for innovation, experiential learning, and global engagement. Now, as I assume the presidency of Centenary University, I ask for your prayers for me—as well as our faculty, staff, and students—as we recommit ourselves to advancing the mission of this great University.”

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Centenary University was founded in 1867 by United Methodists and offers extraordinary learning opportunities that empower students to develop intellectually, emotionally, and interculturally—keys to career and personal success. The University aspires to advance its reputation as a world class institution offering innovative programs, including the world’s first Ph.D. in Happiness Studies and first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, to lift the future for our students and local communities.

Contact: Kristen Volkland | (201) 960-3102