October 12, 2021
Centenary University Awarded $300,000 Department of Justice Grant
Second three-year grant received by the University will fund ongoing initiatives to support survivors of sexual assault and violence.
Hackettstown, N.J., Oct. 11, 2021—The U.S. Department of Justice has awarded a $300,000 grant to Centenary University to continue Cyclone Strong, an initiative to strengthen awareness, prevention, and on-campus services regarding sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking (SADVS). The three-year continuation grant funds a Coordinated Community Response (CCR) Team at Centenary, as well as a part-time program coordinator to oversee and manage the initiative. Cyclone Strong was established in 2018 through a first round of U.S. Department of Justice grant funding.
“Cyclone Strong has made an important impact on our campus over the past three years,” said Kerry Mullins, vice president of student life and dean of students, noting that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. “It has enabled us to provide educational programming to our community and to support students affected by SADVS.”
Through the CCR Team, Centenary has expanded services for survivors, including those offered by Centenary University personnel and through community partners such as the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County (DASACC), a regional SADVS service provider. The University provides a dedicated space staffed by DASACC on its Hackettstown campus with specific hours for survivors to receive confidential services. The grant has also funded an expanded program of awareness, prevention, and bystander intervention training for all Centenary students.
“Centenary University is proud to partner with the federal government on this nationwide initiative to end sexual assault on college campuses,” said University President Bruce Murphy, Ed.D. “We are committed to doing everything in our power to educate our students on this important issue and provide services that support survivors.”
ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township. The Centenary University School of Professional Studies offers degree programs in Parsippany, as well as online and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey.