Rutgers Board of Governors appoints Tonya Smith-Jackson as Chancellor of Rutgers–Newark

The Board of Governors of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Tonya Smith-Jackson as Chancellor of Rutgers University–Newark during a virtual special meeting on May 29, 2025. The resolution sets her effective start date as Aug. 1, 2025, for a five-year term, renewable at the pleasure of the president.

President Jonathan Holloway presented Dr. Smith-Jackson to the board after a yearlong search led by a committee co-chaired by Dr. Prabhas Moghe and Dr. Salamishah Tillet. Holloway noted Dr. Smith-Jackson’s current role as provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and summarized her academic background, including a doctorate in psychology/ergonomics and an interdisciplinary master’s in psychology and industrial engineering.

Vice Chair Tilak Lal read the proposed resolution and moved its adoption. The document described the committee’s recommendation and the president’s concurrence; it specifies that Dr. Smith-Jackson’s appointment takes effect on Aug. 1, 2025, and establishes a five-year term. The motion was seconded and, with no discussion, the board unanimously approved the resolution.

After the vote, Dr. Smith-Jackson joined the meeting and thanked the board, the search committee, President Holloway and Interim Chancellor Jeffrey Robinson for their support. She said she looks forward to working with the Board of Governors and with President-Designate William F. Tate IV, and noted that serving as chancellor is especially meaningful to her as a first-generation, low-income student. President Holloway expressed confidence in the appointment and thanked Interim Chancellor Jeffrey Robinson, who will return to the provost role.

The special meeting began at 1:00 p.m., included a conflict-of-interest check in which no potential conflicts were reported, and adjourned at approximately 1:20 p.m.