The story of Centenary College begins just a few years after the Civil War. Tested by fire in 1899, it evolved from a coeducational Methodist preparatory school and collegiate institute to an all-girls' school in 1910, later becoming a junior college for women in 1940. In 1976, Centenary transformed into a four-year women's college. Men returned to campus in 1988 as the college became northwestern New Jersey's only four-year coeducational institution. In the 1990s, graduate programs and off-campus accelerated degree programs were created to meet the needs of a new generation of students. Centenary's history is remarkably preserved in its extensive archives, which contain thousands of historic photographs and documents.
Raymond Frey is a professor of history and college historian at Centenary College, where he has taught since 1990. He holds graduate degrees in philosophy and history from Fordham University and Drew University and has received numerous awards, including the Governor's Award for Distinguished Achievement in History and Civics and the New Jersey Historical Commission Award of Recognition, for his teaching and writing about New Jersey history. A New Jersey native, he frequently lectures throughout the state.