Christina Paxson, president of Brown University, will leave her post after the 2026-27 academic year, according to The New York Times. The announcement was made jointly by Paxson and Chancellor Moynihan, as reported by the university.
Paxson’s tenure, which spans 15 years, included a notable deal with former President Donald Trump, The New York Times reports. The specific details of that agreement were not included in the available summary, but it marks a defining moment of her leadership.
The Boston Globe and The Hill also confirmed the news, noting that Paxson’s departure will come after a long run at the helm of the Ivy League institution. WJAR, a local outlet, likewise reported the upcoming transition, underscoring the regional significance of the announcement.
Brown University has not yet named a successor or outlined a search timeline, according to the materials provided. The transition process will likely begin in the coming months, with the university’s governing body expected to lead the search for the next president.
Paxson’s resignation comes at a time when university leadership across the country faces heightened scrutiny over political and financial pressures. Her deal with the Trump administration, while not detailed in the available reporting, suggests her tenure was marked by direct engagement with federal power.
What to watch next: The university’s search for Paxson’s replacement and how her legacy, including the Trump deal, shapes the selection criteria.
