Brown University President Paxson to depart in 2027, launching a new strategic chapter

Brown University will have Christina H. Paxson step down as president in June 2027, earlier than her term extension to 2028, as the school begins a new strategic planning process and opens a national search for her successor. Paxson’s 15-year tenure guided Brown through the COVID-19 pandemic, Gaza protests, federal scrutiny and a Trump-era funding agreement, plus a campus shooting that left two students dead and others injured. Under her leadership Brown expanded its endowment, boosted financial aid, invested heavily in Providence (including the Jewelry District and Brown University Health), and strengthened ties to Rhode Island, even as some faculty debated decisions. The corporation will oversee a national search to identify Brown’s next leader.