Felician University recently announced the appointment of Dr. Tara E. Kent as the school’s new Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. Under this new role, Dr. Kent will look to improve academic programs and increase student engagement through an interactive curriculum and more learning opportunities for students.
Dr. Kent comes to Felician University with over 25 years of experience working in higher education. Before joining Felician, Dr. Kent worked at Thomas Edison University, serving as the school’s Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies. During her time there, she acted as the chief academic officer for programs in liberal arts, sciences and education.
“I’m enthusiastic about joining the Felician University academic community. With a strong commitment to educational access and opportunity, I feel an alignment with the mission and values of the university; there is no greater means to transform lives than through quality education,” said Dr. Kent. “Having served in academic administration for over two decades, I’m excited to dedicate my skills and experiences to advance the university and to support the growth and development of our students.”
Dr. Kent holds a PhD and MS in sociology and cultural anthropology from Purdue University and a BS in psychology from the University of Delaware. Over her illustrious career in higher education, she has held the title of Provost, Assistant Provost, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the Keystone Honors Academy and Executive Associate to the President at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. Over the course of her time serving in these positions, she has had to oversee university operations and provide leadership for strategic planning and asset processes.
When Dr. Kent’s appointment was announced, Felician University Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Michael Markowitz, said “Dr. Kent brings to us a wealth of leadership experience in academic program development and assessment, as well as a keen focus on outcomes data and creating innovative student-centered learning environments.”
Felician University’s School of Arts & Sciences provides students with an ideal yet unique learning environment, with their commitment to personalized teaching and advising, helping grow students’ intellectual and personal growth. Students are provided with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the modern workforce.
About Felician University
Felician University is more than just an institute of higher learning. It is a community that inspires and engages over 2,100 undergraduate, graduate, and adult education students through programs in the Schools of Arts & Sciences, Business & Information Sciences, Nursing, and Education. Our commitment to our students’ success is evident in our rankings and recognitions. Over the past five years, Felician University has consistently ranked 3rd among private institutions in New Jersey for best value according to payscale.com and has been recognized as the #1 Safest College Campus in New Jersey according to niche.com. Our Master of Science in Nursing program is ranked one of the best online graduate nursing programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. We are proud to be designated as a Military Friendly School (Gold Status) for the thirteenth year, a testament to our strong support for Veteran students. Our diversity as an HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) and MSI (Minority Serving Institution), with underrepresented students comprising more than half of the student population, is a reflection of our inclusive and supporting environment. With campuses in Rutherford and Lodi, New Jersey, the Franciscan values of social justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity serve as an inclusive foundation for transforming the lives of tomorrow’s leaders. For more information, please visit https://felician.edu.