Jeffrey D. Senese, Ph.D. is named Caldwell University’s 10th President
Following a comprehensive national search, the Sisters of St. Dominic have unanimously approved the recommendation of the Caldwell University Board of Trustees to appoint Jeffrey D. Senese, Ph.D. as its 10th president.
Dr. Senese will join the Catholic Dominican institution on July 10, 2023, and brings extensive experience in higher education leadership to Caldwell including having most recently served as President of Saint Leo University in Florida. Senese also served as a Provost and Vice president for Academic Affairs in several institutions including Saint Leo University, Cardinal Stritch University, and Johnson and Wales University. Senese was also a faculty member at Indiana University and the University of Baltimore for more than a decade, has engaged in extensive funded national research, and has been widely published. He has extensive international work experiences in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and South Africa.
“I am so very thrilled to be joining the wonderful Caldwell University community,” said Dr. Senese. “I am also looking forward to being a servant leader to the students, faculty, staff, and alumni communities. I see amazing potential for the future of Caldwell University!”
“In Dr. Senese, Caldwell University has found an innovative, strategic, and values-based leader,” said Brian J. Aloia, Esq., Chair of the University’s Board of Trustees. “His accomplishments demonstrate that he works collaboratively and successfully with multiple groups of stakeholders, and his passion for Caldwell’s mission, heritage, and story was apparent from our first interaction. Our students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and the community will benefit greatly from Dr. Senese’s presence, poise and experience.”
Senese earned his bachelor’s degree from the Pennsylvania State University, a master of arts degree from Indiana State University, and a Ph.D. in criminal justice/research methods/statistics from Michigan State University. He and his wife Alicia have two children.
Senese will succeed Dr. Matthew Whelan who is departing the University upon the conclusion of his contract on June 30, 2023 following three years of service.
About Caldwell University
Caldwell University is a four-year Catholic university in the Dominican tradition, founded in 1939 by the Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell, New Jersey, voted one of the most beautiful downtown communities in New Jersey and the state’s #1 Small College Town. Caldwell is one of the most affordable private universities in New Jersey and was named a Regional Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report for 2023.
Approximately 2,000 students are enrolled each year, with nearly 25% residing in one of three residence halls, many of whom compete on one of Caldwell’s 16 NCAA Division II or intercollegiate teams, including the emerging sports of acrobatics & tumbling and sprint football.
Caldwell is a United States Department of Education-designated Hispanic Serving Institution. The University offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral academic programs including Art Therapy, Esports Management, Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics, Nursing, and Applied Behavior Analysis along with many traditional majors and programs. The undergraduate core curriculum emphasizes the liberal arts and sciences with a mission to educate students to become citizens who pursue truth and contribute to a just society. Core values of respect, integrity, community, and excellence define the Caldwell experience. Learn more at https://www.caldwell.edu/.
