June 24, 2016
Hackettstown, N.J., June 24, 2016 – Dr. David Haney will be able to add University President as his most recent professional role quite soon. Dr. David Haney, who was formerly the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Emory & Henry College in Virginia and has been a professional bluegrass music performer, will commence his new role as President of Centenary University on July 1, 2016.
“This is an exciting time for Centenary University,” says Dr. Haney. “The institution has just received university designation, plus it will be celebrating its 150th anniversary during the upcoming academic year. It is with great enthusiasm that I will be moving the institution forward through many initiatives in the months and years to come.”
Dr. Haney’s early plans include continuing work with the already positive external relations with local organizations and the surrounding communities. During his first year, Dr. Haney aims to develop a new five-year Strategic Plan, support enrollment growth and integrate cutting-edge technology within the classrooms and the institution as a whole. In addition, he plans to continue to establish additional articulation agreements and initiatives with local community colleges.
“I want to support our faculty and staff in providing the ultimate higher education experience for our students,” says Dr. Haney. “This includes all aspects of their academic journey in order to provide them with the skills needed for professional and personal success throughout their lives.”
According to Dr. Haney, it is imperative to provide Centenary graduates with both a strong liberal arts education and preparation for 21st-century careers. He plans to support programs that will allow Centenary students to become critical thinkers, address real-world problems, and successfully work in teams. Already established programs, such as Enactus, allow students to compete at a national level and equip students to serve as problem solvers. This year, in fact, the Centenary Enactus team finished out the year at the top three percent of all university chapters in the nation.
Dr. Haney plans to continue developing already strong career prospects for Centenary graduates. In fact, ninety-two percent of Centenary’s Class of 2014 were employed or attending graduate school one year after graduation. In addition, 76% were employed in a field closely related to their degree.
Establishing strong community interaction will also be one of Dr. Haney’s initiatives. The President’s House, which was destroyed in a fire in January 2015, will be re-constructed over the next year. Dr. Haney plans to utilize that space for gatherings for both campus and community organizations. During the construction phase, members of the community will be invited to follow the reconstruction process and participate in hard hat tours as the residence nears completion.
In addition, Dr. Haney and his spouse, Lisa Baldwin, have every intention to continue their musical performances for members of the immediate community and beyond. In fact, they will be holding a “meet and greet” at Rutherfurd Hall in Allamuchy at 6 p.m. on September 30, 2016. He and Baldwin will perform acoustic music that includes Baldwin’s original songs, bluegrass, country, traditional folk and the work of contemporary singer-songwriters. For more information on their music, visit www.baldwinhaney.com. In addition to learn more about Rutherfurd Hall, please visit www.rutherfurdhall.org. To R.S.V.P for this opportunity, please contact Laurie Rapisardi at (908) 852-1894, ext. 138.
Both Dr. Haney and Ms. Baldwin, who will be teaching second grade at Hatchery Hill Elementary School beginning this fall, plan to find as many ways as possible to engage with the community on behalf of Centenary University.
Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix is designed to provide an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world.
Centenary University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township (Morris County). The Centenary School of Professional Studies offers degree programs online and in two locations: Parsippany and Edison, online 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.