Rutgers appoints 22nd president

Rutgers University officials on Monday named William F. Tate IV the 22nd president of the Garden State’s largest university.

Tate, who has served as the president of the Louisiana State University system since 2021, will succeed Jonathan Holloway as Rutgers’ head on July 1, according to a release.

“I am honored to join the Rutgers family, where the Rutgers Edge is more than a concept. It is reflected in a history of leading with outstanding research, clinical excellence, insightful pedagogy, innovative partnerships and storied athletic feats,” Tate said in the release. “Together, we have an opportunity to align our efforts and push to greater levels of impact. We can compete and win at new heights if we work together.”

The Rutgers Board of Governors approved Tate’s appointment Monday with the consent of the Rutgers Board of Trustees.

“Beyond his remarkable achievements in academia, Doctor Tate, much like Doctor Holloway, has proven that he is prepared and devoted to defending the values of Rutgers University, to supporting and empowering its more than 68,000 students, and preserving its reputation as an anchor institution for our state and the entire nation,” Gov. Phil Murphy said during remarks on Monday. “I had the honor of speaking with Bill during the process, and I was instantly and incredibly impressed.”

Holloway announced in September that he would not seek a contract extension. Holloway served as president for five years. 

Holloway had a somewhat controversial tenure as president. Professors went on strike for five days after failed negotiations with three unions — Murphy played a pivotal role in forging an agreement from both sides — and the Rutgers Faculty Senate passed a motion of no confidence in his leadership.

State Sen. Joe Cryan (D-Union), the chair of the Higher Education Committee, said Tate is a strong choice and hopes the new president will focus on affordability

“I welcome Dr. Tate as the next President of Rutgers University,” Cryan said in a release. “He is an excellent choice to assume the leadership of the state’s flagship university at a critical time for higher education. With assaults on academic freedom from Washington, potential reductions in government aid, the growth of the student body, and the continued expansion of research and development, the next President will have an array of challenges to manage.”