Rutgers Welcomes a Bold New Era with Incoming President William Tate IV
Rutgers University is gearing up for a transformative new chapter as it officially welcomes Dr. William F. Tate IV as its 22nd president, effective July 1. With deep experience leading sprawling, multi-campus public universities, a stellar academic pedigree, and a vision rooted in innovation, Dr. Tate’s arrival marks a major moment for the State University of New Jersey — and for New Jersey itself.
This historic appointment follows the leadership of Dr. Jonathan Holloway, who will step down at the end of June after five years at the helm, during which he helped steer Rutgers through some of the most challenging years in higher education. From pandemic turbulence to social unrest to a historic labor strike, Holloway’s tenure brought stability and bold decision-making to a university woven into the very fabric of the Garden State.
Now, as Dr. Tate prepares to step in, Rutgers is ready to lean into its strengths — and sharpen its edge.
A Vision Bigger Than the Banks of the Raritan
Dr. Tate arrives at Rutgers with a powerful résumé and a track record of impact. As the former president of Louisiana State University, he led over 60,000 students across eight campuses while also serving as the top academic officer for the entire LSU system. That experience positions him perfectly for Rutgers’ own tri-campus structure — spanning New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden — along with its statewide research footprint.
He’s not just an administrator. He’s an intellectual force. Tate holds faculty appointments in sociology, psychiatry, epidemiology, and public health, and he’s been elected to both the National Academy of Education and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. At LSU, he helped elevate the university’s research stature, fostered public-private partnerships, and championed both academic excellence and student engagement.
But perhaps most importantly, he understands what makes Rutgers — and New Jersey — unique.
“The Rutgers Edge is more than a metaphor,” Tate said during his introductory remarks. “It’s the expression of New Jersey’s grit, toughness, and resilience.” That connection — between personal journey and institutional mission — is already resonating with students, faculty, and alumni across the state.
Building Bridges for the Future
At the press conference announcing his appointment, Governor Phil Murphy called Tate “the ideal leader and educator for the job.” And it’s easy to see why. Tate brings not just institutional experience, but also a deep commitment to equity, civic engagement, and economic impact.
As Rutgers continues to expand initiatives like the HELIX Health + Life Sciences Exchange and grow research centers like the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, it will benefit from a president who knows how to link academic goals with real-world outcomes. Tate’s work at LSU, which included strategic research focus areas like biomedical science and energy, directly aligns with New Jersey’s innovation economy and the state’s evolving role in life sciences and tech.
Tate also stands out for his proven ability to foster bipartisan support and business partnerships. He hit fundraising records year after year at LSU, much of it through collaboration with industry. That bodes well for Rutgers’ role not just as a top-tier university, but as a cornerstone of New Jersey’s economic future.
A Leader for All Campuses, All Students
With over 68,000 students across its campuses, Rutgers needs a leader who can understand and connect with every facet of its community — from first-year undergrads in Camden to doctoral candidates in Newark to medical researchers in New Brunswick. Tate has made it clear: the students are at the heart of everything.
“What draws young people to a campus? Of course, parents want strong academics,” he said. “But students also want Greek life, sports, a full experience. Rutgers offers all of that — rolled into one.”
It’s not just talk. Dr. Tate’s passion for student life and campus engagement is infectious. At LSU, he became known for meeting students where they were — even taking part in quirky traditions like “Putting with the President” events. Don’t be surprised to see him cheering on the Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium or visiting student organizations around campus.
His ambitions don’t stop at community-building. “I will win the Big Ten,” he said with conviction. “I’m not interested in second place.” That mindset — blending academic rigor with competitive spirit — will be key as Rutgers pushes forward on every front.
New Leadership, Same Jersey Spirit
Tate’s selection caps off a rigorous search process led by a 20-member committee and supported by executive search firm WittKieffer. According to Amy Towers, Chair of the Rutgers Board of Governors, the committee was laser-focused on finding a leader with the depth to guide Rutgers through an evolving higher ed landscape — someone who could listen deeply, think boldly, and lead through complexity.
“We are 259 years old,” said Towers. “This university has lived through a lot of change. And we expect to be even stronger in the next 250 years.”
With Dr. Tate at the helm, Rutgers seems poised not just to weather the future — but to shape it.
What’s Next?
There’s a fresh buzz on campus as the Rutgers community looks ahead to July 1. But before then, Dr. Tate will be engaging with students, visiting key research centers, and preparing to take the reins of a university ready to level up on every front.
From athletics to academics, from urban research to global impact, Rutgers is leaning into its next era — with a president who sees both the promise and the purpose of New Jersey’s flagship institution.
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Rutgers is ready for the future. And with William Tate IV leading the way, the future just got a lot more exciting.