Rutgers Presidential Search Nears Final Phase
Rutgers University has entered the final phase of its search for the institution’s 22nd president, with a shortlist of candidates now under review and a decision expected by early summer. According to a university source, Rutgers is down to the final few candidates and hopes to have a new president in place by the July 1 target date, when current President Jonathan Holloway will step down after serving five years in his role, as reported by Patch.
The presidential search committee, co-chaired by Board of Governors Chair Amy L. Towers and School of Engineering Dean Alberto Cuitiño, has worked with executive search firm WittKieffer since November to identify candidates capable of leading New Jersey’s flagship public university system. The tight timeline reflects the board’s commitment to ensuring a smooth leadership transition with no gap between administrations.
Extensive Community Input Shaped Search
The search process has involved unprecedented community engagement, with the committee conducting nearly 20 listening sessions and town halls across Rutgers’ three campuses since December. According to the Rutgers Presidential Search website, these sessions gathered input from more than 600 members of the university community.
“The Presidential Search Committee serves an important role in charting Rutgers’ course and lifting the university to new heights,” said Cuitiño when the committee was formed last November. The 20-member committee includes representatives from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and administrators from across the university’s Camden, Newark, and New Brunswick campuses.
Vision for University’s Future
The Board of Governors has emphasized finding a candidate who can provide purposeful leadership during a defining moment in the university’s history. “Rutgers is in a terrific position to attract the best of the best in its next president,” Towers stated when announcing the search firm selection through Rutgers News.
Key qualities sought in candidates include experience leading large, complex organizations, a commitment to academic excellence, and an appreciation for Rutgers’ multicampus identity. The board has also prioritized finding a “dynamic leader and communicator” who shares the university’s values and commitment to providing access to higher education.
Search Timeline Aligns With Other Leadership Changes
The presidential transition comes amid other leadership changes at Rutgers. The university is simultaneously conducting a search for a new chancellor for Rutgers-Newark, following Nancy Cantor’s departure last August to become president of Hunter College. Jeffrey Robinson has served as interim chancellor for the 2024-2025 academic year.
University officials have not publicly identified the final presidential candidates, maintaining confidentiality during the sensitive final selection phase. The committee will recommend its top choice to the Board of Governors, which will make the final appointment decision.
Presidential Legacy and Transition
Holloway, who announced his decision to step down last September, has led Rutgers through significant challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery. His presidency also saw advances in the university’s academic standing and research portfolio.
As the search committee finalizes its recommendations, the university continues normal operations, including the recent Board of Governors approval of speakers for the May 2025 commencement ceremonies. The board approved conservation leader and alumnus Peter Seligmann as the keynote speaker for the Rutgers-New Brunswick and Rutgers Health graduation on May 18.
The Latest Trending Headlines in Your Area:
