Christina H. Paxson to step down as Brown University president at the end of the 2026-27 academic year
Christina H. Paxson will conclude her tenure as president of Brown University at the end of the 2026-27 academic year. The university's 19th president, who has led the institution since 2012, stated that the current timing is ideal for a leadership transition to allow for a new leader to establish a fresh strategic vision. Chancellor Brian T. Moynihan confirmed that while the university's corporation had previously approved an extension of her term until 2028, Paxson determined that the university is ready to begin a new strategic planning process. During her presidency, Paxson successfully navigated a federal funding freeze and secured major research grants. She also led the university through a significant campus shooting in late 2025. The Corporation of Brown University will now initiate a national search for the school's 20th president while Paxson remains in her role to establish priorities for her final year.