In March 2026, °µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æ announced that President Ali Malekzadeh will retire following the conclusion of his contract in June 2027. The °µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æ community extends its sincere gratitude to President Malekzadeh for his 12 years of visionary leadership and his deep commitment to the University’s founding mission. His impact will be felt for years to come as we build momentum into the future with the search for °µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æ’s next president.
Updates on the presidential search will be shared on this page as they become available.
The °µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æ community is invited to share any thoughts or feedback on the qualities and qualifications that will be important in candidates for the next president. During April of 2026, a series of listening sessions will be held for students, faculty, staff, alumni and donors. Invitations to specific events will be sent via email.
We invite the °µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æ community to share your thoughts on the presidential search and nominate potential candidates.
Dear °µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æ Community,
I am pleased to share that we have launched a new presidential search webpage to provide updates and information about the search for °µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æ’s next president. This page will be the primary location where news, information and resources will be shared about the search.
On this page, you will find a link to the . Your feedback is important! Please take a moment to share your thoughts and insight to help us create the profile for our next president. All responses are confidential. The survey will remain open through Thursday, April 29 at 11:59 p.m.
In addition, our search partner, WittKieffer, has established a dedicated email address for any additional feedback as well as nominations for potential candidates for consideration. Feel free to reach out to them directly at °µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æPresident@Wittkieffer.com.
Finally, if you haven’t already done so, please join one of our community listening sessions being held through the end of April. Check your °µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æ email for invitation details.
Thank you for your continued engagement and for contributing your voice to this critical moment in the future of our University. We look forward to hearing from you.
In service,
Valerie Barker Waller
Chair, Presidential Search Committee
Vice Chair, °µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æ Board of Trustees