Hackettstown-based Centenary University President John R. Schol announced Tuesday the appointment of Andy Cobb as the institution’s new chief financial officer (CFO). A seasoned finance executive with over two decades of experience in the telecommunications sector, Cobb will be tasked with steering the school’s financial strategy and aligning its operations with aggressive goals for growth and institutional vitality.
Reporting directly to Schol, Cobb’s portfolio includes comprehensive financial management, resource allocation, and long-term planning.
Cobb joins the higher education sector following a distinguished career at AT&T, where he most recently served as assistant vice president. During his 20-plus years with the telecommunications giant, Cobb held multiple CFO and director-level roles, earning a reputation for leading large-scale organizational changes and managing complex budgeting environments with transparency and rigor.
Before his tenure at AT&T, Cobb developed his analytical and modeling expertise in senior financial planning roles at MCI Telecommunications.
“We are excited to welcome Andy Cobb to Centenary University,” Schol said. “His proven ability to lead with vision and integrity gives us confidence as we build a future where student success, university vitality, and world engagement remain at the heart of everything we do.”
Cobb’s transition to Centenary is driven by a desire to support the university’s unique educational mission. In his acceptance, he highlighted Centenary’s commitment to community impact and its dedication to first-generation college students.
“This is a moment that calls for clarity, discipline, and hope,” Cobb said. “I’m honored to work with President Schol and the leadership team to strengthen Centenary’s financial foundation for the long term.”
The University is currently focused on expanding its reputation as a hub for innovative programs, including its world-first Ph.D. and Master of Arts in Happiness Studies. Cobb’s experience in stabilizing challenged operations and translating complex financial data into actionable strategy is expected to be a critical asset as the University scales these unique offerings.
A resident of Madison, Cobb is deeply embedded in New Jersey’s civic life. He serves as a trustee and CFO of the United Methodist Church and holds a board position and CFO role at Acorn Academy. His commitment to education extends to mentorship at Drew University and coaching for Madison Athletics.
