New School of Continuing and Professional Education Reflects Growing Number and Impact of Adult and Programs

The University’s center for continuing education has been renamed the School of Continuing and Professional Education to reflect the evolution and growth of its precollege youth programs and industry-recognized national certification programs that prepare individuals and corporations to meet the challenges of a wide range of businesses.

“The name change highlights our strategic focus on innovative programming for precollege youth and adult professionals seeking credentials beyond traditional credit-bearing degree programs,” says President Kathleen Waldron. “Building on the strengths of the University’s academic colleges, and enhanced by our distinguished business professionals who serve as consultants and instructors, our School dynamically addresses the interdisciplinary challenges of today’s evolving workplace.”  

“This School provides transformational opportunities for learners at all stages,” says Bernadette Tiernan, executive director. “We are enhancing our role as a leading provider of precollege academic enrichment experiences through innovative summer and Saturday academies to prepare students for high school and college. We are also creating customized interdisciplinary training programs for individuals and corporations to tackle urgent workforce development needs in New Jersey’s seven key industry growth sectors, including healthcare and finance.”

The School of Continuing and Professional Education features a distinctive portfolio of more than 300 courses provided to thousands of working professionals at all levels who often have already achieved college graduation but now seek career advancement, preparation for job changes, and/or enhancement of existing skills. Precollege students benefit from interactions with highly qualified certified teachers and University faculty adept at adapting complex information to middle and high school learners. In addition, the School is expanding support for student academic and career success through mentoring, coaching, academic advisement, and externships for all students in its non-degree programs.