About Geoffrey
Early Life and Education
Geoffrey Newman was born in 1946, in Oberlin, Ohio. He graduated from Paul Junior High School and Calvin Coolidge High School in Washington, D.C., in 1964. After high school, he worked as the Master of Ceremonies at Oak Grove Resort in the Pocono Mountains. Newman attended Ashland College in Ohio from 1964 to 1966 before transferring to Howard University, where he earned a B.F.A. degree in 1968. He then pursued an M.A. degree at Wayne State University, graduating in 1970. In 1978 he received his PhD from Howard University in Communication Theory.
Academic Career
Newman's teaching career began at Wabash College in Indiana in 1970. He was instrumental in creating the Drama department and directed numerous theatrical productions. He received a Lilly Foundation grant to establish a professional summer stock theater company. During his tenure at Wabash, Newman performed with his trio at the Holiday Inn nightclub and served as a production director for Kalamazoo College's Black Theater Festival.
In 1974, Newman joined the faculty at Howard University, where he taught acting and directing, eventually becoming the head of those programs. He directed many productions and served as Chair of the drama department from 1981 to 1985. Newman also held the position of Special Assistant to the Dean of the College of Fine Arts, contributing to Howard University for 13 years.
Achievements and Contributions
While at Howard, Newman directed for various institutions, including George Washington University and the D.C. Black Repertory Theater. He managed the Carter Barton Amphitheater and was a nominator for the inaugural Helen Hayes Awards. Newman directed international tours, including the European tour of "RASIN" and the world premiere of "SOUND OF SOUL" in Switzerland. He received the AMOCA Award of Excellence from the John F. Kennedy Center in 1978-79.
In 1983, Newman served as artistic director for the Baton Rouge Community Playhouse, producing a show that toured New Orleans and Los Angeles. He received the first minority Distinguished Professorship from Wabash College in 1987-88.
Leadership at Montclair State University
In 1988, Newman was appointed Dean of the School of Fine and Performing Arts at Montclair State College, later Montclair State University. Under his leadership, he developed nationally ranked programs, built state-of-the-art facilities, and expanded the faculty and student enrollment. Newman established partnerships with international institutions and produced The Sammy Davis Jr. Story for Resorts International in Atlantic City.
Retirement and Legacy
Newman retired in 2012, overseeing a comprehensive arts department at Montclair State University. His contributions included the John DuMont Television Center, the George Segal Gallery, the John J. Cali School of Music, the School of Communication and Media Arts, and the department of Fine Arts and Design, and a Global Education Center for the Arts. Newman's legacy is marked by his dedication to the arts and education, leaving an indelible impact on the institutions he served and the many students he mentored.
