RUTHERFORD, NJ – Felician University is pleased and proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Tara E. Kent as the new Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. In her role at Felician, Dr. Kent will enhance academic programs and seek to increase student engagement through innovative curricula and experiential learning opportunities.

Dr. Kent brings over 25 years of experience in higher education to her new position. In her words, “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.  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.”

When announcing the appointment, Felician 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.”

Before coming to Felician, Dr. Kent served as the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Thomas Edison State University, where she acted as the chief academic officer for programs in liberal arts, sciences, and education. She holds a PhD and MS in sociology and cultural anthropology from Purdue University and a BS in psychology from the University of Delaware. She has held many significant positions, including Provost, Associate Provost, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the Keystone Honors Academy, and Executive Associate to the President at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. In these positions, she oversaw university operations and provided leadership for strategic planning and assessment processes.

Felician University’s School of Arts & Sciences provides a unique environment where commitment to personalized teaching and advising supports students’ intellectual and personal growth. We equip students with the agility and adaptability needed to meet 21st-century workforce demands, and we foster a community that encourages students to make positive contributions to society. We are happy to welcome Dr. Tara E. Kent to our Felician family.

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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 3^rd 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.