Dr. Jeffrey Senese

Dr. Jeffrey Senese is an academic leader with extensive administrative experience across both U.S. and international institutions. At Caldwell University, he leads the institution toward excellence while remaining grounded in its foundational values.

In an interview with Education Insider, Dr. Senese discussed his academic journey and vision, the foundational values that guide the university and the approach to balance tradition with innovation.

A Career Built with Strategic Vision

My career as an academic leader began when I had the opportunity to serve as a department chair. The role excited me as it came with constant challenges and provided me with the opportunity to set and shape an agenda. Throughout my journey, my leadership vision has remained constant—working together to develop a shared direction and its execution.

I associate higher education leadership with steering a battleship. My father, who was stationed on the USS Missouri, told me that it takes five miles to make a 90-degree turn, and one can feel the slow movement in the process. Likewise, I guide the institution toward change, slowly and deliberately, bringing everyone along to create significant impact.

Nurturing a Community Grounded in Values

Caldwell University’s vision is shaped by its core values of respect, integrity, community and excellence. I strive to keep these values aligned with the functioning of the institution by maintaining close communication with the founding sisters and engaging in discussions about the university’s operations and directions.

"I guide the institution toward change, slowly and deliberately, bringing everyone along to create significant impact."

Initiatives like community day, which bring together staff, students and faculty, celebrate these values and recognize the exemplified behavior while addressing the deviations. Also, the value systems are integrated into academic programs, making it a defining feature of the institution and a key differentiator for the campus community.

Fostering Innovation while Balancing Tradition

Today’s challenging higher education landscape demands continuous progress, and traditions can limit growth. My approach is to embrace innovation while examining traditions to ensure that we are headed in the right direction. This requires supporting the faculty initiatives by providing guidance and necessary resources.

At Caldwell University, we are currently focusing on contemporizing traditional liberal arts by creating a center that helps students explore career pathways. A dedicated group of faculty is working to connect disciplines like English, history and political science to real-world career options. My role is to motivate them, ask insightful questions and provide funding, while allowing them to lead the implementation.

Translating International Experience into University Leadership

My experience with international institutions has provided me with a broader perspective, which can be integrated into higher education for its development. I initiate conversations with my colleagues about my engagements and compare those contexts with local realities to make them think globally.

This approach can drive growth by addressing challenges like the demographic cliff through the recruitment of international students. Currently, 15 percent of Caldwell University’s population consists of international students, and it is feasible to bring it up to 40 percent.

Advice to Aspiring University Presidents

Focus on doing the right thing instead of taking shortcuts, as quick resolves are often temporary. Engage with books and in-depth materials to gain deeper knowledge in the subject rather than relying solely on social media and online sources.

At the same time, it is important to find mentors who are ahead in your field and ask for their guidance. Learning from them while evaluating their views can provide insights and direction for your future.