Jeffrey D. Senese, Ph.D. is named Caldwell University’s 10th President

Caldwell, N.J. – 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 tenth 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 June 30, 2023 following three years of service.