Bishop John Schol, a highly respected faith, civic and organizational leader and longtime member of the Centenary University Board of Trustees, has been named president of the school, succeeding Dale Caldwell, who is leaving to serve as Lt. Governor.
Schol, who will begin his tenure on Dec. 1, will serve a two-year term. Caldwell will remain at the Hackettstown-based university until his departure in January. They will work collaboratively to ensure continued stability and clarity for the campus community.
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.
“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.
“We are grateful to Dr. Caldwell for his two years of service and to Bishop Schol for his willingness to serve. We look forward to working together to advance Centenary’s mission and support the success of our students.”
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.
Born and raised in a working-class family in Philadelphia, Bishop Schol was consecrated as a bishop in 2004 after serving 25 years as a pastor, community developer and denominational executive. Eight years later, he was assigned to lead the United Methodists in Greater New Jersey, a role he held until his retirement in 2024. Under his leadership, the conference created new resources for clergy and laity; launched a nonprofit to respond to Superstorm Sandy, recruiting more than 12,000 volunteers and raising $17 million over five years to repair or build 273 homes; and guided leaders to institute a fundraising campaign to support long term disaster recovery in Puerto Rico, ministry and a mission site in Tanzania, and a community development organization providing social services, affordable housing, and feeding programs for vulnerable populations.
After his retirement in 2024, Bishop Schol was called to serve as the interim lead bishop of Nigeria to reorganize The United Methodist Church in Nigeria after the former bishop resigned.
A graduate of Moravian University, Bishop Schol earned a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Boston University. He is married with three children and four grandchildren.
“I share Centenary University’s ongoing commitment to student success, academic excellence, and community impact,” he said. “This university has a long and proud history of preparing graduates for meaningful and purposeful lives. Together with students and faculty, I look forward to building on current momentum to pursue new opportunities for innovation, experiential learning, and global engagement.”
