The University of New Haven as an academic institution has existed for over 120 years. With over a century of operation, the university has had just a handful of presidents—seven to be exact—with each one contributing something to create the college we attend.
Ellis C. Maxcy, Ph.D. (1932-1937)
The university’s first president (then director), Ellis C. Maxcy, Ph.D., had his work cut out for him. Presiding over the young institution (known then as New Haven College) during the height of the Great Depression, Director Maxcy was responsible for keeping the college alive and functioning during a time of great economic strife. The university’s Maxcy Hall (formerly known as the “Main Building”) was named in honor of the late director.
Lawrence L. Bethel, Ph.D. (1937-1953)
New Haven College’s second director, Lawrence L. Bethel, Ph.D., further expanded the university’s role as an academic institution. Taking the success gained from Director Maxcy, Director Bethel would go on to pave the way for the further development of the university through his push for accreditation via the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Upon his retirement in 1953, Director Bethel would be appointed as the president of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). The university’s Bethel Hall dormitory is named for the late director.
Marvin K. Peterson (1954-1973)
Upon the appointment of the university’s third president, Marvin K. Peterson, the college would undergo drastic changes in location, construction, and academic achievement. Four years after his appointment to the role in 1958, President Peterson’s efforts to authorize the offering of a Bachelor of Science degree were approved. Just two years later, in 1960, the university moved its location to its current West Haven campus through the purchase of a former county orphanage (known today as Maxcy Hall). Only five years later, in 1965, President Peterson would oversee the construction of the Student Center, which remains in operation. In 1966, President Peterson helped the university receive accreditation for baccalaureate programs, which helped boost student enrollment. Just two years later, in 1968, he would oversee the construction of the engineering building. In 1969, President Peterson opened the graduate school program and constructed the first residence hall for its students. By 1970, President Peterson would help rename the school from New Haven College to the University of New Haven. Just a year later, in 1971, President Peterson approved the creation of the athletic complex. Through president Peterson’s leadership, the University of New Haven entered the modern age and began to form into the campus that students attend today. The only president of the university not to hold a Ph.D., President Peterson is honored by the university’s library, which is named after him.
Phillip S. Kaplan, Ph.D. (1973-1991)
The fourth president of the university, Peter S. Kaplan, Ph.D., would help ensure that the university grew from an undergraduate commuter college to a residential-based institution. President Kaplan is credited with the expansion of the university’s residential program via the construction of new dormitories and creating more than 20 graduate programs. Under Pres. Kaplan, the university constructed the Marvin K. Peterson library, purchased Harugari hall, Echlin hall, Dodds hall, Vieira Field, the Robert B. Dodds Athletic Field, acquired the Arbeiter Mäeneer Chor and constructed several dormitories. In 1993, the Graduate School was renamed in his honor.
Lawrence J. DeNardis, Ph.D. (1991-2004)
The fifth president of the university, Lawrence J. DeNardis, Ph.D., led the institution into the 21st century. Having served in the 97th U. S. Congress, Pres. DeNardis had the solid political and social influence required for the university’s advancement. Upon his election as university president, DeNardis significantly bolstered the international program, which allowed students from different countries to attend. President DeNardis passed away at age 80 on Aug 24, 2018.
Steven H. Kaplan, Ph.D. (2004-2022)
President Steven H. Kaplan (no relation to the previous president) was the sixth University of New Haven president. Under President Kaplan’s leadership, the university would be transformed into the current-day institution. Among the hundreds of changes that President Kaplan was responsible for are the opening of the Prato and Orange campuses, the establishment of the Magnet School, the creation of the Charger Challenge, which raised over $100 million for the university and opened the Bergami Center for Science, Technology and Innovation. During Pres.t Kaplan’s leadership, 618,679 square feet of new space was constructed, enrollment grew more than 65% and over 40 academic programs were launched. Upon exiting the presidential role in 2022, Kaplan was named the university’s first chancellor and CEO. Chancellor Kaplan resigned from his position on Jul 1, 2023.
Sheahon Zenger, Ph.D. (2022-2024)
Sheahon Zenger, Ph.D., served as interim president at the University of New Haven during a transitional period. Having served as the university’s athletic director for three years before his appointment as interim president, Zenger had the experience required to run the school. Now serving as the university’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operation Officer, Vice President Zenger continues his work as an essential member of the university’s continued success.
Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D. (2024-Present)
The new president of the university, Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., holds six degrees from Vanderbilt University. Having previously served as executive vice president of Fisk University, President Frederiksen is an experienced and educated leader. President Frederiksen will follow in the footsteps of accomplished leaders before him, a fact that he acknowledges and says he sees as a reason to work hard. As the latest leader of the university, Pres. Frederiksen will be watched closely by students and faculty alike, and only time will tell what exciting changes he brings to campus.
