HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, November 21, 2024 — Centenary University President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., has launched a new podcast that examines national trends in higher education and illustrates the University’s community impact and evolution. Called the We CU Experience, the podcast is hosted by Dr. Caldwell and features influential guests on each episode. Available on popular streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, the podcast derives its name from Centenary University’s new brand, We CU, which emphasizes the University’s individualized approach to higher education.

The inaugural episode of the We CU Experience features guest anchor James McQueeny, prominent public policy analyst, political commentator, and veteran journalist for The Star Ledger and The New York Times. During the 35-minute segment, McQueeny and Dr. Caldwell examine the shifting national higher education landscape, its implications for small, private universities like Centenary, and innovative ways institutions are adapting to meet challenges.

“In this podcast, I’ll be interviewing leaders in the education, business, and public policy sectors to drill down on the rapidly evolving higher education marketplace,” said Dr. Caldwell, who is one of New Jersey’s most influential voices in higher education. “At Centenary, we are responding to today’s challenges with new programs and partnerships to become a resource for students far beyond the scope of traditional college education. That is the essence of Centenary University’s new We CU brand.”

The podcast’s guest lineup includes experts like Ren Parikh, the founder and CEO of Ideal Institute of Technology, which provides vocational training and a salary to students seeking career opportunities.Through a new partnership between Centenary University and Ideal Institute, vocational students now have a clear pathway to continue their education and a bachelor’s degree at Centenary, which has established a satellite campus in Pleasantville, NJ, at Ideal Institute’s headquarters.

Upcoming guests include Karen Mastriano, director of government affairs at Comcast; Keith Morgen, Ph.D., director of graduate counseling programs at Centenary University; Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D., director of the Master of Arts in Happiness Studies at Centenary University; Brian Tangora, president of the Gateway Chamber of Commerce; Jordan Glatt, former mayor of Summit, NJ, and the University’s special assistant to the president/vice president for advancement; and Carl Wallnau, director of Centenary Stage Company.

Dr. Caldwell assumed the presidency of Centenary University on July 1, 2023. He is Centenary’s 15^thpresident, as well as the University’s first African American president, and brings a wealth of experience to his role. Prior to arriving at Centenary, Dr. Caldwell was the executive director of the Rothman Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. He has also served as deputy commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and was a longtime member and former president of the New Brunswick, NJ, Board of Education. Dr. Caldwell graduated from Princeton University and earned an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate from Seton Hall University.

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Centenary University offers extraordinary learning opportunities that empower students to develop intellectually, emotionally, and interculturally—keys to career and personal success. Under the leadership of President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., the University aspires to advance its reputation as a world class institution offering innovative programs, including the world’s first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, to lift the future for our students and local communities.

CONTACT

Kristen Volkland
Erbach Communications Group
(201) 960-3102