Rutgers president Jonathan Holloway to step down in 2024
- Jonathan Holloway, the first Black president of Rutgers University, will step down on June 30, 2024.
- His presidency has been characterized by challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and a faculty strike, but also by record-breaking admissions and fundraising success.
- The university will conduct a national search for his successor following his planned sabbatical.
Jonathan Holloway, who became the first Black president of Rutgers University in 2020, announced his decision to step down at the end of the current academic year on June 30, 2024. He plans to take a yearlong sabbatical before returning to the university as a full-time professor. Holloway's presidency has been marked by significant challenges, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and managing the first faculty strike in the university's history in 2023. During his tenure, Rutgers achieved record-breaking undergraduate admissions, improved its national rankings, and surpassed fundraising goals. However, Holloway faced controversies, including a no-confidence vote from the faculty senate and criticism from Republican lawmakers regarding his handling of a pro-Palestinian encampment. His decision to negotiate rather than use police force in that situation drew national attention. Holloway's current compensation includes a base salary of $888,540 and additional bonus pay, totaling over $1.1 million annually. He will continue to receive his full salary during his sabbatical. The Rutgers Board of Governors has been informed of his plans, and they will initiate a national search for his successor. Founded in 1766, Rutgers University serves nearly 68,000 students and is recognized as New Jersey's flagship institution of higher education. Holloway's leadership has left a significant impact on the university, and his departure marks a pivotal moment in its history as it seeks new leadership to continue its progress.