Centenary’s Student Government Association to Celebrate “Spirit Week” Leading Up to the Inauguration

Hackettstown, New Jersey, March 19, 2010 – Centenary College is scheduled to celebrate the inauguration of Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite as its 12th College president in a ceremony held on its Hackettstown campus at 1:30 p.m. on April 9, 2010. 

Dr. Lewthwaite, who was named President on May 15, 2009, is the second woman and second former faculty member to serve as President of Centenary College.  Since assuming that position, she has utilized her background in academic affairs to advance the College’s mission: providing a student-centered liberal arts education with a career focus and a special emphasis on community service.

"This is an important time in the College’s history and it greatly pleases me that we are fortunate to have Dr. Lewthwaite leading this institution," says Arden Davis Melick ’60, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.  "She is a strong leader who possesses good business acumen and sound academic credentials and has earned the respect and confidence of all sectors of the campus community during her 20-year tenure at the College."

Dr. Lewthwaite’s leadership roles at Centenary College include serving as Acting President, Acting Operating Officer and Chief Academic Officer.  As a member of the executive staff since 2003, she has played a vital part in transforming Centenary into one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing independent colleges.  During that time, the College adopted its long-term strategic plan, as well as its Greater Expectations Learning Outcomes program to better prepare students for successful lives and careers after college.

Dr. Lewthwaite began her career at Centenary in 1985, rising through the ranks of the faculty to become chair of the Education Department and eventually the College’s top academic leader.  Before coming to Centenary, she worked extensively in the corporate world.  Dr. Lewthwaite holds a bachelor of Bachelor of Administration degree from Pace University, and her MBA and doctor of Education degrees from St. John’s University.

The theme of the Inauguration is "Centenary College: Beacon for The Region," which Dr. Lewthwaite describes as "It is the College’s mission to change lives, not just our students’ lives, but  also the people of northwest New Jersey.  It is incumbent upon the College to be a ‘Beacon for the Region’ – a place whose influence extends beyond the entire community, as well as its students."

Part of the Inaugural events includes the Student Government Association (SGA) holding Sprit Week in conjunction with the Inauguration.  

"The Student Government Association decided to hold Spirit Week during the week of Dr. Lewthwaite’s Inauguration because we are so proud of our President and so glad that she was chosen to lead this institution," says Michelle Hill, President of SGA.  "President Lewthwaite is a valuable asset to Centenary and she will lead this institution to greatness."

Spirit Week highlights include a day where students will wear shirts with the athletic logo and a day where they will wear their class Tshirt.