Private Methodist university in New Jersey offering undergraduate, graduate, and equestrian programs.
Centenary University offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs across multiple disciplines. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and approved by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church. Specific programs are accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education, Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and Council on Social Work Education. The university features a distinctive Department of Equine Studies and Animal Health, supported by a dedicated equestrian center.
The main campus in Hackettstown spans 41 acres with ten main buildings and eight residence halls, anchored by the Edward W. Seay Administration Building (listed on the National Register of Historic Places). The Centenary Stage Company, a professional Equity theater operating since 1985, offers cultural programming including a Women's Playwright Series and musical theater programs. The John M. Reeves Student Recreation Center provides athletic facilities including a 1,200-seat arena, weight room, and natatorium. The separate Equestrian Center in Washington Township comprises 65 acres with multiple arenas and paddocks.
Centenary competes in NCAA Division III with fourteen intercollegiate sports through the Atlantic East Conference (joined 2021-22). Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, equestrian, lacrosse, soccer, and wrestling; women's sports include basketball, cross country, equestrian, flag football, lacrosse, soccer, softball, and volleyball. Notable achievements include the 2009 IHSA National Championship in equestrian competition and multiple CSAC championships in soccer. The baseball team plays at the fully-synthetic turf field 'Our Diamond of Dreams,' opened in 2019.
Originally founded as a preparatory school, Centenary evolved through multiple iterations: junior college (1940), women's college (1956), coeducational college (1976), and university status (2016). The campus features historic architecture including the Seay Building, designed in Renaissance Beaux Arts style and built in 1901 after the original structure burned in 1899. Notable alumni include Debbie Harry (Blondie lead singer, class of 1965) and Miss America 1937 Bette Cooper.