Centenary University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Centenary University has 4 executives leading key functions including student athletics, fashion industry relations, sports management, and alumni engagement.

Committed to academic excellence and career-focused learning, Centenary University fosters a dynamic environment where students gain the practical skills necessary to thrive within a complex, globalized professional landscape.

Leadership Roles at Centenary University

  • President of SAAC - Kayla Sampong
  • Fashion Group President - Ann-Danika Otes
  • Co-President, Sports Management Association - Jack Boylan
  • President & Alumni Association Board Executive - Devon Paffendorf
  • Kayla Sampong - President of SAAC

    Kayla Sampong, the President of SAAC at Centenary University, directs all student-athlete advisory initiatives to ensure robust representation across the athletic department. Overseeing the integration of student feedback into university policy, the President of SAAC facilitates communication between the student body and the administration. This leadership role involves coordinating campus-wide athletic events and promoting community service projects that align with the broader mission of the institution. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence, Kayla Sampong directly impacts the student experience within the competitive collegiate sports environment. Sampong manages the strategic planning for athletic advocacy, ensuring that the voices of student-athletes remain central to the university's operational goals. Through consistent engagement with faculty and staff, the President of SAAC secures a supportive framework for all student-athletes, ultimately driving higher levels of participation and institutional pride across the entire campus community.

    Ann-Danika Otes - Fashion Group President

    Ann-Danika Otes, the Fashion Group President at Centenary University, architects the strategic vision for fashion-related academic and professional development programs. Overseeing industry partnerships and student-led design initiatives, the Fashion Group President ensures that the curriculum remains relevant to current market trends. This leadership role involves organizing professional workshops and networking events that connect students with industry leaders across the regional fashion sector. By optimizing the connection between classroom theory and real-world application, Ann-Danika Otes directly impacts the career readiness of students pursuing creative degrees. Otes manages the allocation of resources for fashion showcases and collaborative projects, ensuring that the university maintains a strong presence in the competitive fashion industry. Through rigorous oversight of student organizations, the Fashion Group President drives innovation and professional growth, ultimately securing long-term success for graduates entering the global fashion marketplace.

    Jack Boylan - Co-President, Sports Management Association

    Jack Boylan, the Co-President, Sports Management Association at Centenary University, directs the strategic operations and professional development activities for students within the sports management program. Overseeing the coordination of industry-focused seminars and guest speaker series, the Co-President, Sports Management Association ensures that students gain exposure to the complexities of the modern sports business. This leadership role involves managing partnerships with regional sports organizations to provide internship opportunities and practical experience. By optimizing the association's outreach efforts, Jack Boylan directly impacts the professional trajectory of students aiming for careers in sports administration. Boylan manages the internal governance of the association, ensuring that all activities align with the university's career-oriented mission. Through the cultivation of professional networks and the execution of industry-specific projects, the Co-President, Sports Management Association drives student engagement and prepares the next generation of leaders for the global sports industry.

    Devon Paffendorf - President & Alumni Association Board Executive

    Devon Paffendorf, the President & Alumni Association Board Executive at Centenary University, directs all alumni engagement strategies to strengthen the connection between graduates and the institution. Overseeing the development of networking platforms and fundraising initiatives, the President & Alumni Association Board Executive ensures that the university maintains a vibrant and supportive alumni network. This leadership role involves collaborating with the university administration to align alumni activities with the broader institutional mission of career-focused education. By optimizing communication channels and event programming, Devon Paffendorf directly impacts the long-term growth and financial stability of the university. Paffendorf manages the board's strategic agenda, ensuring that alumni contributions support current student success and campus development. Through the cultivation of lifelong relationships with graduates, the President & Alumni Association Board Executive drives institutional loyalty and secures a robust support system for the university's ongoing academic and professional endeavors.
    Devon Paffendorf

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Centenary University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Centenary University?
    Centenary University is led by Kayla Sampong (President of SAAC), along with executives such as Ann-Danika Otes (Fashion Group President) and Jack Boylan (Co-President, Sports Management Association).
    Who is part of Centenary University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Centenary University includes leaders such as Kayla Sampong (President of SAAC), Ann-Danika Otes (Fashion Group President), Jack Boylan (Co-President, Sports Management Association) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Centenary University have?
    Centenary University has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Centenary University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Centenary University includes roles such as President of SAAC, Fashion Group President, Co-President, Sports Management Association, President & Alumni Association Board Executive.