Dr. Jordan will support Centenary’s strategic initiative to extend the University’s brand as a global resource for market-driven academic and workforce development programs.

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, Aug. 18, 2025—Centenary University has appointed experienced higher education administrator Thomas Jordan, Ph.D., to the position of vice president of academic affairs effective August 1, 2025. In this new role, Dr. Jordan will support the strategic initiatives of Centenary University President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., to extend the University’s brand as a global resource for market-driven academic and workforce development programs. Specifically, Dr. Jordan will provide oversight and leadership in the areas of curriculum development and faculty affairs.

            A solutions-focused higher education executive, Dr. Jordan brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education to Centenary. He most recently served as provost/vice president of academic programs and services, as well as professor of sociology and music, for the State University of New York (SUNY) at Delhi. As the chief academic officer for the institution, he was responsible for planning , developing, and maintaining excellence in academic programs and services. Under his leadership, SUNY at Delhi restructured its academic schools, introduced innovative new programs, and instituted a plan to improve student retention, success, and graduation rates.

            “Dr. Jordan is an innovative and effective leader, with a visionary approach in creating and managing both academic and workforce development programs,” said Centenary University President Dale Caldwell, Ed. D. “His experience is a natural fit to support my comprehensive strategic initiative to create extraordinary educational opportunities at Centenary University for traditional college students, as well as working adults and vocational students.”

Prior to arriving at SUNY, Dr. Jordan held positions of increasing responsibility with the University of Lynchburg in Virginia; SUNY Educational Opportunity Center in Bronx, NY; York College and Hunter College, both with the City University of New York; as well as several other institutions. A graduate of Hunter College, Dr. Jordan earned a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from New York University and a Ph.D. in Sociology from The Graduate Center, City University of New York.

“Centenary University is a well-respected institution with a dynamic and dedicated faculty, staff, and administrators,” said Dr. Jordan. “Led by Dr. Caldwell, this team is advancing an exciting plan to build on Centenary’s growing reputation as an educational leader that supports the success of students from all walks of life with a broad range of career and life goals. I’m confident that my extensive experience in program development, student success, workforce development, and administrative acumen will be an asset to the University and its mission.”

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Centenary University offers extraordinary learning opportunities that empower students to develop intellectually, emotionally, and interculturally—keys to career and personal success. Under the leadership of President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., the University aspires to advance its reputation as a world class institution offering innovative programs, including the world’s first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, to lift the future for our students and local communities.