A Letter to the Centenary University Community from President Schol

Ever since the article "The NJ University Lt. Gov. Caldwell once led is now facing a serious crisis of its own," ran on September 25, in NJ.com NJ.gov,  the concern over the possibility of Centenary University losing accreditation took over the minds of many students, families, staff, and faculty. 

This was the case until Centenary University’s newest President, John Schol, agreed to meet with The Cyclone Chronicle executive staff—Samantha Swayze, Carlee Nigro, and Elizabeth May—to set the record straight.  

The executive staff thanks President Schol for his time and willingness to meet with us.

Following is President Schol's letter to the campus community, made possible in part by concerns voiced by the student newspaper. The letter also was distributed to the campus community via email on Monday, Oct, 26, 2026.

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Dear Centenary Students,

Students and families have reached out with questions following a recent NJ.com article about the former president and the university's accreditation. We understand why the headline caused concern, and we want to provide clear and accurate information.

First and most importantly, Centenary University remains fully accredited, and students can continue their studies and complete their degrees with confidence. Our accreditation remains in effect, our academic programs are strong, and we are making significant progress in addressing the items identified by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education our accrediting body.

The issues identified by Middle States relate to financial planning, reporting, and documentation. They do not involve the quality of our academic programs, faculty, student support services, or the value of a Centenary degree.

Since January, our leadership team has worked closely with Middle States to address every area of concern. We have been informed by our liaison that Centenary has made substantial progress, and we are confident that the steps we have taken will position the university to have the warning lifted.

Why Was Centenary Placed on Warning?

When Chief Financial Officer Andy Cobb and I joined the university in January 2026, we learned that Middle States had been requesting information and reports that had not been submitted. Within less than two weeks, we responded and immediately began addressing the outstanding items.

The primary concerns included:

• Two delayed external audits. One has been completed and submitted to Middle States, and the second is currently being finalized by our auditors.

• Budget and enrollment projections that were based on aspirational assumptions rather than conservative forecasting. We have implemented a new budgeting process based on realistic enrollment, revenue, and expense projections.

• The need for a long-term financial plan. Today, the university has a multi-year financial plan that supports sustainability and informed decision-making.

What Does "Warning" Mean?

A warning is the first and lowest level of concern within the Middle States accreditation process. It indicates that a university must address specific issues and demonstrate compliance within an established timeframe.

Centenary is at the warning level. We are not on probation, and we are not under a show-cause order. Two additional levels before a university loses its accreditation.

While we expect to complete all required actions well before the deadline, Middle States reviews progress according to its established schedule. As a result, the warning status will remain in place until the Commission formally reviews our report and takes action in June of 2027.

What Has Centenary Accomplished?

Since January, the university has taken significant steps to strengthen its future:

• Added six experienced senior leaders with 185 years of combined experience and extensive backgrounds in higher education, business, and nonprofit management.

• Developed balanced multi-year budgets based on responsible and realistic trends and projections.

• Completed one required audit and advanced the second toward completion before year end.

• Reduced university debt by $5 million.

• Strengthened enrollment and recruitment efforts, resulting in enrollment performance that has exceeded projections by 15%.

• Developed our Vision 2035 and Strategic Direction to guide the university's future growth and success.

Our Commitment to You

The strength of Centenary has always been its people: our students, alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, and supporters. Every decision we make is guided by our commitment to providing you with a high-quality educational experience and preparing you for success beyond graduation.

We recognize that headlines can create uncertainty. That is why we want you to hear directly from us: Centenary is accredited, classes continue as scheduled, financial aid remains available, and we are confident in the future of the university.

Below is an FAQ that you may find helpful about Centenary Accreditation.

Thank you for your trust, your commitment, and the pride you bring to the Centenary community. Together, we are building a stronger future for our university and for the students we serve.

With Gratitude,

John

FAQ About Centenary University's Accreditation

Is Centenary University accredited?

Yes. Centenary University remains fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Students can continue their studies, earn their degrees, receive financial aid, and participate in all university programs as normal.

Is my degree at risk?

No. Students can continue their education and complete their degrees with confidence. The current warning status does not affect the validity of a Centenary degree, the ability to graduate, or the acceptance of earned credits.

Why are people talking about accreditation?

Recent media coverage referenced a warning issued by Middle States regarding financial planning, reporting, and documentation. Some headlines created the impression that the university's accreditation was at “immediate” risk. That is not the case.

What is a Middle States warning?

A warning is the first and lowest level of concern used by Middle States. It indicates that a university must address specific issues and demonstrate compliance within a designated period of time.

Is Centenary on probation?

No. Centenary is not on probation and is not under a show-cause order.

The three levels of concern are:

1. Warning

2. Probation

3. Show Cause

Centenary is on warning for not submitting reports and financial planning that was not based on past experience and realistic financial forecasting. These practices have now changed.

What concerns did Middle States identify?

The concerns relate to financial planning and reporting, including:

• Delayed submission of required audits.

• Budget and enrollment projections that needed to be based on more conservative assumptions.

• The need for longer-range financial planning.

The concerns are not related to academic quality, faculty, student support services, student outcomes, or the value of a Centenary degree.

What has the university done to address these concerns?

Since January 2026, the university has:

• Responded to Middle States requests and submitted required information.

• Completed one of the required audits and is finalizing the second.

• Developed balanced, multi-year budgets based on actual trends and realistic forecasts.

• Created a long-range financial plan.

• Reduced university debt by $5 million.

• Strengthened enrollment and recruitment efforts.

• Added experienced senior leadership to guide the university's future.

Has Centenary made progress?

Yes. The university has been informed by its Middle States liaison that substantial progress has been made in addressing the identified concerns.

When will the warning be removed?

Middle States reviews university reports and progress according to its established schedule. While Centenary expects to complete all required actions before the deadline, the warning remains in place until the Commission formally reviews the university's report and takes action.

Will classes, programs, or student services be affected?

No. Classes, academic programs, student support services, residence life, athletics, and financial aid continue to operate normally.

What is Centenary doing to strengthen its future?

The university is focused on long-term sustainability and growth through:

• Strong financial planning.

• Responsible budgeting.

• Strategic enrollment growth.

• Continued investment in academic excellence and student success.

• Implementation of Vision 2035 and the university's strategic. You may find them herehttps://www.centenaryuniversity.edu/strategic-direction/.

Does this affect financial aid?

No. Federal, state, and university financial scholarships and aid remains available to eligible students.

When is Centenary's next comprehensive accreditation review?

Centenary's next full accreditation review is scheduled for 2031.

Where can I learn more or ask questions?

You may go to our accreditation page https://www.centenaryuniversity.edu/about-us/accreditation/Students and students and families with questions are encouraged to contact the Office of the President, Janice Santangelo, janice.santangelo@centenaryuniversity.edu. We are committed to providing accurate information, answering questions, and keeping our community informed.

Our Message to Students

We understand that accreditation headlines can create uncertainty. We want every student and family to know that Centenary remains accredited, students can continue working toward their degrees with confidence, and the university is making strong progress in addressing the issues identified by Middle States. Our focus remains on providing an outstanding educational experience and supporting student success every step of the way.