Brown University President Christina Paxson to Step Down at the End of the 2026-2027 Academic Year
Brown University President Christina Paxson announced she will step down at the end of the 2026-2027 academic year, marking the conclusion of a 15-year tenure that began in 2012. Despite a unanimous board approval in May 2025 to extend her term until 2028, Christina Paxson stated that a leadership transition now is the best path for the university to begin a new strategic planning process. Chancellor Brian T. Moynihan confirmed the decision, noting that the university is ready for a new leader to implement a long-term vision for the next generation. During her presidency, Christina Paxson successfully navigated a federal funding freeze and secured major research grants. She also led the university through a period of significant events, including a 2025 campus shooting. The Corporation of Brown University will launch a national search to identify the 20th president. The university will work with Christina Paxson to establish priorities for her final academic year.