Early Life and Education
Born in 1946 in Oberlin, Ohio, Geoffrey Newman grew up during a time of profound social change. After attending Paul Junior High and graduating from Calvin Coolidge High School in Washington, D.C. in 1964, he began his career as the Master of Ceremonies at the Oak Grove Resort in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains — an early glimpse of the creativity and confidence that would define his path.
Newman studied at Ashland College in Ohio before transferring to Howard University, where he earned his B.F.A. in 1968. He went on to complete an M.A. at Wayne State University in 1970 and later returned to Howard to earn his Ph.D. in Communication Theory in 1978.
Academic & Artistic Career
Newman began his teaching career at Wabash College in Indiana in 1970, where he helped establish the Drama Department and directed numerous theatrical productions. Supported by a Lilly Foundation grant, he founded a professional summer stock theatre company, extending arts opportunities to students and local performers.
Beyond academia, Newman performed with his musical trio at the Holiday Inn nightclub and served as production director for Kalamazoo College’s Black Theater Festival — a dual commitment to education and performance that became a hallmark of his career.
Directing, Achievements & Recognition
During his years at Howard University, Newman directed productions for George Washington University and the D.C. Black Repertory Theater, managed the Carter Barton Amphitheater, and served as a nominator for the inaugural Helen Hayes Awards. His directing work took him abroad, including a European tour of Raisin and the world premiere of Sound of Soul in Switzerland.
His excellence in directing was recognized with the AMOCA Award of Excellence from the John F. Kennedy Center (1978–79). In 1983, he became the Artistic Director for the Baton Rouge Community Playhouse, producing a show that toured New Orleans and Los Angeles. A few years later, he was awarded Wabash College’s first minority Distinguished Professorship (1987–88).
Retirement and Continuing Influence
Today, Geoffrey Newman’s legacy continues through the generations of artists, educators, and leaders he has inspired. His dedication to the arts, education, and social progress has left an enduring mark on every institution he touched — a life’s work defined by excellence, empathy, and the belief that creativity can transform both people and communities.
Leadership & Legacy in Higher Education
In 1974, Newman joined the Howard University faculty, teaching acting and directing, later serving as Chair of the Drama Department (1981–1985) and Special Assistant to the Dean of the College of Fine Arts.
His next chapter began in 1988, when he was appointed Dean of the School of Fine and Performing Arts at Montclair State College (later Montclair State University). Under his leadership, the school expanded its national reputation, built new facilities, and forged international partnerships. Newman also produced The Sammy Davis Jr. Story for Resorts International in Atlantic City, merging artistry and administration in equal measure.
By the time he retired in 2012, Newman had overseen the growth of a comprehensive arts program that included the John DuMont Television Center, George Segal Gallery, John J. Cali School of Music, School of Communication and Media Arts, and the Department of Fine Arts and Design. He also established a Global Education Center for the Arts, ensuring students’ access to an increasingly connected world of creative collaboration.