Lakewood, NJ — Georgian Court University has selected Dr. Jennifer Edmonds as Dean of the newly established School of Business, Education, Liberal Arts, and Sciences, effective July 1, 2026.

Dr. Edmonds, who has served as Dean of the School of Business & Digital Media since 2019, brings more than two decades of experience in higher education leadership, teaching, and program development. She also serves as Executive Director of the university’s Center for Digital Learning, where she leads the expansion of online programs and digital innovation initiatives.

Dr. Edmonds has led the development of new academic programs aligned with workforce needs, enhanced accreditation efforts, and expanded opportunities for student engagement and success. She has also played a key role in advancing the university’s online learning strategy by implementing new course development standards and learning technologies to enhance the student experience.

"I am honored to step into this role at such an important time for Georgian Court," said Dr. Edmonds. "My priority is to ensure our students have an excellent academic experience while preparing them for today's workforce and tomorrow's opportunities. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues to support student success every step of the way."

The new School of Business, Education, Liberal Arts, and Sciences brings together a broad range of academic programs to support greater collaboration across disciplines and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. The structure reflects the university’s ongoing efforts to align academic programs with student needs, enhance operational effectiveness, and position Georgian Court for continued growth.

Dr. Edmonds’ leadership experience spans a range of academic and administrative roles. Prior to joining Georgian Court, she served in several leadership positions at Wilkes University, including Associate Dean, Director of Graduate Programs, and Department Chair. She holds a Ph.D. and an MBA from Rutgers University and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan.

"Throughout her tenure at Georgian Court, Dr. Edmonds has played a critical role in developing academic programs, expanding online learning, and creating new opportunities for our students," said Dr. Eugene Cornacchia, Interim President. "She is an innovative and thoughtful leader who is exceptionally well suited for this role. I am confident her leadership will build on our mission and position the university for continued success."

Dr. Edmonds will begin her new role on July 1.

About Georgian Court University

Georgian Court University is a leading regional university that provides a transformative education, preparing students for ethical leadership and service in the Catholic Mercy tradition. Founded in 1908 and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, the university has a historic special concern for women. In 2026, Newsweek named Georgian Court one of the top 50 colleges for women nationally in its inaugural America’s Best Colleges for Women rankings. The university is Central and South Jersey’s only Catholic university and offers a strong liberal arts core.

As a forward-thinking university that supports diversity and academic excellence, Georgian Court empowers more than 1,800 students of all faiths and backgrounds in 30+ undergraduate majors and 25+ graduate programs. The GCU Lions compete in 16 NCAA Division II sports in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC). GCU has been named to Phi Theta Kappa’s Transfer Honor Roll for eight consecutive years, recognizing it as one of the most transfer-friendly institutions in the nation. High student retention and graduation rates make GCU a Top Performer on Social Mobility on U.S. News & World Report’s rankings, and in 2024, GCU was named one of the best Online Master’s Colleges in New Jersey.

The main campus is in Lakewood, New Jersey, on the picturesque former George Jay Gould estate, a National Historic Landmark. Georgian Court, which is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, also serves students through its Center for Professional Studies, and at other locations, including GCU at Brookdale, and through multiple online degree and certificate programs.

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