The Rutgers University Board of Regents has retained WittKieffer, a highly regarded search firm with extensive experience in executive searches on behalf of large public universities, to engage in a comprehensive and in-depth search at nationally for the 22nd president of Rutgers, the State University. from New Jersey. The board’s announcement officially begins the process of selecting a successor to chairman Jonathan Holloway, who announced last month that he would step down on June 30, 2025.

“This is an important moment for Rutgers University and an opportunity for Rutgers to chart a bold course forward,” said Amy L. Towers, chair of the Board of Governors. “Rutgers is in an excellent position to attract the best of the best in its next president. The university deserves a dynamic leader and communicator who shares Rutgers values, appreciates our multi-campus identity, and brings with him experience managing large, complex organizations with institutional effectiveness, accountability, and a commitment to excellence.

“It is also critically important that any new president reinforces Rutgers’ dedication to academic research, civic engagement, and its mission to improve social mobility through access to higher education.” In partnership with the new president, the Board of Governors will continue to provide determined leadership to achieve our shared goals of ensuring the university achieves its highest potential for its students, student-athletes, faculty, staff and the state of New Jersey,” Towers said.

WittKieffer specializes in recruiting academic leaders from around the world, with decades of experience leading hundreds of college and university presidential searches. The firm’s internships last on average eight years – well above the national average. The WittKieffer team includes members who have held leadership positions in higher education, understand the unique challenges of large, complex institutions, and are committed to seeking candidates who will lead with vision and impact.

The search will be guided by a presidential search committee, which will be announced by the Board of Governors in the coming weeks and co-chaired by Towers and Alberto Cuitiñodean of the School of Engineering. Committee members will be representative of the broader University community, campuses and constituencies, including students, alumni, faculty, staff and other key stakeholders who bring a deep understanding of the values ​​and Rutgers needs.

“I look forward to working with the Board of Governors and am confident that we will identify and select a candidate who will lead Rutgers into the future, building on the university’s heritage as an academic and of leading research,” said Cuitiño. “We want this process to be inclusive and invite members of the diverse and broad Rutgers community to participate and provide valuable feedback.”

Prior to his appointment as dean, Cuitiño served as chair of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He is currently Professor Emeritus, has been with Rutgers for over 30 years, and brings a wealth of leadership experience as well as deep institutional knowledge.

As the governing body of the university, the Board of Governors is responsible for overseeing the presidential search process and ultimately appointing the next president of Rutgers University, working closely with the administration to ensure a smooth process and transition.

As part of this process, the presidential search committee will host a series of on-campus listening sessions and town halls moderated by WittKieffer and launch a website to keep the Rutgers community informed, provide regular updates and collect additional feedback.

“The Rutgers Board of Trustees has an obligation to ensure leadership continues on Rutgers’ trajectory of success, while honoring all those who have given so much to get us to where we are.” We are confident that we will find the person who will cherish this diverse and dynamic university,” said Amy B. Mansue, chair of the Rutgers Board of Trustees.

In September, Holloway informed the Board of Governors and the university community of his intention to resign at the end of the academic year. By that time, Holloway will have served five years, leading Rutgers with integrity through a pandemic, founding Rutgers Scarlet Service, expanding the Scarlet Promise program, and affirming the importance of civic engagement and open dialogue as hallmarks of a dynamic, inclusive and prosperous university. .

The goal of the Board of Governors is to name a successor and install a new university president by July 1, 2025.