A resident of Flanders, NJ, Dr. Iris will tap his higher education experience to grow student success and university vitality through communication and fundraising.

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, Feb. 17, 2026—Centenary University President John R. Schol, D.Min., has announced the appointment of Michael Iris, Ed.D., as vice president for advancement and communications effective Feb. 16. A 2007 Centenary graduate and resident of Flanders, NJ, Dr. Iris will report directly to the university president.

“Centenary University is fortunate to attract Dr. Michael Iris, whose experience and accomplishments will further student success, university vitality, and world engagement,” said President Schol. “His passion for student success and ability to connect with people make him an asset to our mission.”

            Dr. Iris brings a wealth of higher education experience, as well as extensive institutional knowledge, to his new role at Centenary. During a 14-year career at Berkeley College, and as an adjunct instructor at Centenary, he has led in roles of development, alumni relations, and communications. He has also taught marketing, social media, and graphic design. He plans to tap this deep experience and knowledge to strengthen Centenary’s communications, fundraising, and relationships with alumni and community partners. “My top priority is to more deeply connect with donors, alumni, and community partners,” Dr. Iris said. “Alumni are among Centenary’s greatest ambassadors, and strengthening those relationships along with donors and community partners will be central to our advancement efforts. I also plan to deepen and expand our partnerships with local and regional business leaders, community organizations, and external stakeholders. By strengthening these relationships, we can elevate Centenary’s visibility, enhance experiential opportunities for students, and broaden philanthropic support.” 

Dr. Iris was honored for professional achievement with the Centenary University Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022 and was recognized in the 2024 NJBIZ Forty Under 40 listing honoring professionals who are “shaping the economic future of New Jersey.”  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management from Centenary University, a Master of Science in Graphic Communications and Technology from Kean University, and a Doctor of Higher Education Leadership from Saint Elizabeth University. 

            As he began his newest chapter at Centenary, Dr. Iris said: “My longstanding relationship with Centenary provides me with strong institutional knowledge, meaningful connections across campus, and a deep understanding of the university’s culture and values. I understand the student experience firsthand, and I appreciate the dedication of our faculty, staff, alumni, and partners. That perspective allows me to approach this role not only strategically, but personally. I am honored to return in this capacity and help lead the university into its next chapter of growth and impact.”

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.