NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Rutgers University has appointed William F. Tate IV as its 22nd president, the university announced Monday. Tate, currently the president of Louisiana State University, will assume the role on July 1, succeeding Jonathan Holloway, whose tenure ends June 30.
The Rutgers Board of Governors, with consent from the Board of Trustees, unanimously approved Tate's appointment during a joint meeting in New Brunswick. Amy L. Towers, chair of the Board of Governors, praised Tate's qualifications, saying, "When the presidential search committee began the search for Rutgers' next president, with community input, we sought a transformative leader who embodies Rutgers' values and our multi-campus identity, someone who is intentional, collaborative and unafraid to think big. Dr. Tate is that extraordinary leader, a scholar, an innovator and a transformative force whose vision will unite academic excellence with public impact."
Tate, 60, has led LSU since 2021, where he was the first African American president in the Southeastern Conference's history. His academic career spans multiple institutions, including roles as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of South Carolina, vice provost for graduate education at Washington University in St. Louis, and tenured faculty positions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Texas Christian University. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Northern Illinois University, a master's degree in mathematical sciences education from the University of Texas at Dallas, and a Ph.D.
"I am honored to join the Rutgers family, where the 'Rutgers Edge' is more than a concept," Tate said in a statement. "It is reflected in a history of leading with outstanding research, clinical excellence, insightful pedagogy, innovative partnerships and storied athletic feats."
Tate's appointment comes at a pivotal time for Rutgers, which serves over 69,000 students across three campuses in New Brunswick-Piscataway, Newark, and Camden, with a $5 billion annual operating budget. The university faces challenges, including federal funding cuts and pressures to reduce diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, as noted by NJ Advance Media. Tate's experience leading LSU, a member of the Southeastern Conference, equips him to navigate similar complexities at Rutgers, a Big Ten institution.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy expressed enthusiasm for Tate's appointment, stating, "Dr. Tate, currently the President of LSU, is the ideal leader to help propel Rutgers to new heights." State Sen. Joe Cryan, chair of the Higher Education Committee, also welcomed Tate, emphasizing his focus on affordability.
Tate's tenure at LSU included overseeing advancements in college athletics, particularly in navigating the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies, which could benefit Rutgers' athletic programs. His leadership will also guide the university through a search for a new athletic director following Pat Hobbs' resignation.
Holloway, who announced his resignation in September 2024, cited safety concerns for his family and criticism during his term, which included a faculty strike and student protests. He will take a sabbatical for the 2025-26 academic year before returning to Rutgers as a full-time faculty member.
Tate's contract includes a base salary of $1.1 million, with a minimum 10% bonus starting in his second year and $375,000 in deferred compensation payable after his fifth year, making him the highest-paid president in Rutgers' history.
As Rutgers, one of the nation's oldest universities at 258 years, enters this new era, Tate's vision and experience are expected to shape its future as a leading public research institution.
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