Dr. Craig Fuller, a highly regarded scientist and longtime faculty member, has been named dean of the School of Natural, Health, Social & Behavioral Sciences at Centenary University, the school announced.
Fuller is the architect of the university’s ongoing expansion into academic programs focused on the health and wellness sectors. Through his leadership, Centenary has introduced a series of new health care degrees and concentrations to address growing nationwide demand for trained workers across a broad spectrum of health-related fields.
The new programs introduced at Centenary include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses to earn a baccalaureate degree, Bachelor of Science in medical laboratory science, Bachelor of Science in health science, Bachelor of Science in public health and Bachelor of Science in exercise science.
Centenary also is expected to introduce a Bachelor of Science in nutrition in fall 2024.
Centenary President Dale Caldwell applauded the announcement.
“Craig Fuller is a visionary leader who has used his experience in the health and wellness field to position Centenary to meet emerging needs with new and restructured programs,” he said. “His expertise will be invaluable as we broaden Centenary’s degree and certificate programs to encompass the full spectrum of human performance, including physical, behavioral, and emotional health.”
Vice President for Academic Affairs Amy D’Olivo said Fuller has been instrumental in developing and expanding partnerships with area hospitals and clinical sites.
“He balances the needs of Centenary University students with the demands of the science and health care professions,” she said.
Fuller has significantly strengthened the university’s partnerships with health care institutions such as Atlantic Health System and large clinical providers, area educational institutions and business leaders to assess the educational training gaps contributing to a shortage of health care workers in northwestern New Jersey and beyond. To address that gap, the university is setting the foundation for new certificate programs for working practitioners, as well as expanded graduate degrees.
“Centenary University has a growing reputation for excellence in health care education,” Fuller said. “Our partnerships with leading institutions provide clinical experiences for Centenary students, as well as the insight that is so essential to developing new academic programs that truly address deficiencies — like shortages of laboratory workers and nurses — in the delivery of health care today.”
Before entering higher education, Fuller worked in hospitals and reference laboratories, as well as in the biomedical industry. He earned master’s and doctoral degrees in infectious diseases and microbiology from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from Baylor University.
Fuller was trained in the field of medical laboratory science by Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in Texas and certified as a medical laboratory scientist through the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
