Bishop John R. Schol has been named president of Centenary University 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 will begin his tenure as president on Dec. 1.
Schol succeeds Dale Caldwell, who was elected New Jersey lieutenant governor in November’s general election. Caldwell will remain at the university until his departure in January. Schol and Caldwell will work collaboratively to ensure continued stability for the campus community.
In announcing the appointment, the Centenary University Board of Trustees noted 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.
“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.”
Born and raised 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 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.
“I share Centenary University’s ongoing commitment to student success, academic excellence, and community impact,” said Schol, who is married with three children and four grandchildren. “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.”
Founded in 1867, Centenary is an independent institution of higher learning affiliated with The United Methodist Church. There are 1,453 students enrolled at Centenary for the 2025 school year.
