Centenary College President Announces Plans to Step Down From Her Position
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J., June 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite, Centenary College's 12th President, has made a formal announcement regarding her plans to step down from her position effective June 30, 2016.
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Dr. Lewthwaite has served as the College's 12th President since May 15, 2009 after serving as Acting President. Since assuming her role of President, she utilized her background in academic affairs to advance the College's mission while providing a liberal arts education with a career focus and a special emphasis on community service.
"It has been a privilege to work with Dr. Lewthwaite in this capacity," says Arden Davis Melick '60, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. "She has successfully and safely led this institution through one of the most challenging economic times in the last seventy years."
Under Dr. Lewthwaite's leadership as President, she increased philanthropic support for the College. Many new programs were established during her tenure including a degree in Environmental Science, a Pre-Veterinary program, a Master's degree in Reading and Healthcare Administration. A new concentration in Musical Theatre and a concentration and minor in Social Media have been put forth by the College. In the fall, the Social Media Center of Expertise known as #THEVIBE will open. This will be a state-of-the-art technology center where students will come to gain social media expertise and where businesses come to leverage social media experts.
In addition, during Dr. Lewthwaite's tenure, all of the Science laboratories have been renovated, the College opened a Health and Wellness Center and created an Environmental Science Center at the Charles O. Hayford Fish Hatchery, in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Dr. Lewthwaite also served as the Chief Academic Officer at Centenary and has been a member of the executive staff since 2003. Dr. Lewthwaite began her career at Centenary in 1985, rising through the ranks of the faculty to become chair of the Education Department and eventually the College's top academic leader. Before her tenure at Centenary, she worked in management positions in the corporate world. She holds a bachelor of Business Administration degree from Pace University and an MBA and a Doctorate in Education from St. John's University.
A Presidential Search Committee will be chaired by Board of Trustee member/alumnus, Honorary Degree Recipient and Gold Dome Award recipient, Wolfgang Gstattenbauer '84.
"It has been an honor leading this fine institution," says Dr. Lewthwaite. "The coming year will be a very important one for Centenary. It is my intention to remain involved by continuing to engage our wonderful donors and alumni and eventually return to the faculty. I have every confidence that the Board will choose a successor who will continue to ensure what promises to be our remarkable future."
Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary College is an independent, coeducational liberal arts and career studies college distinguished by an accomplished faculty, small class size and diverse student body.
Contact:
Annamaria C. Lalevee
(908) 852-1400, ext. 2238
Email
SOURCE Centenary College
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