Bishop Schol EPA
Bishop John R. Schol
Centenary University | November 25, 2025
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Retiref Bishop John R. Schol has been named president of Centenary University, a United Methodist-related institution in New Jersey, for a two-year term, the University’s Board of Trustees announced. A highly respected faith, civic, and organizational leader and longtime member of the Centenary University Board of Trustees, Bishop Schol began his tenure as president Dec. 1.
He succeeds the Rev. Dale G. Caldwell, Ed.D., who was elected New Jersey lieutenant governor in November’s general election. Dr. Caldwell, also a licensed local pastor of a church in New Jersey, will remain at the University until his departure in January. They will work collaboratively to ensure continued stability and clarity for the campus community.
The Rev. Dale Caldwell, Centenary University photo
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.
Elected a bishop in 2004, Schol led the Greater New Jersey Conference until his retirement in 2024, and also led the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference as its bishop during his final two years there. After his retirement in 2024, Bishop Schol served as the interim lead bishop of The United Methodist Church in Nigeria to help reorganize it after the former bishop resigned.
“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, said the board.
Centenary University, Hackettstown, New Jersey
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.