Kathryn Hall Announces New Princeton President, Christopher Eisgruber '83

Kathryn A. Hall, chair of Princeton's Board of Trustees, announced on Sunday that Christopher Eisgruber '83 would become the 20th President of the University on July 1. In an email sent out today, Hall wrote, 

Dear Princetonian,

As chair of the Board of Trustees, it is my great pleasure to let you know that the Board, acting on the unanimous and enthusiastic recommendation of the presidential search committee, today elected Christopher Eisgruber ’83, currently the University’s provost, as Princeton’s 20^th President, effective July 1.  The full text of the announcement can be found on the University’s home page (www.princeton.edu). 

            The search committee included nine Trustees, four faculty members, two undergraduates, a graduate student, and a member of the staff.  Over the past six months, the committee received more than 320 submissions to its website, where it asked for advice on the qualities to be sought in a new president, challenges and opportunities facing the University, and candidates who should be considered.  It held open forums on campus and conducted more than 100 sourcing interviews with members of the campus community and leaders of higher education throughout the country.  The suggestions we received were very helpful and contributed greatly to our decision that Chris is the very best person to serve as Princeton’s next President. 

            Princeton has been blessed with a series of remarkable Presidents over the past 50 years.  Each has had a different style and personality, but all have been devoted to serving the best long-term interests of the University and all have led Princeton through periods of change.  I am confident that Chris will continue this pattern, and that he has the skills, personal qualities and devotion to Princeton to lead our University with vision, imagination, courage and conviction.  As I say in the announcement, Chris was described to us again and again as principled, passionate and prepared, and we certainly concur. 

            I want to thank all of the alumni who provided us with suggestions and advice and who met with us during the course of the search.  In addition to being a member of the Class of 1983, Chris is also an honorary member of the Classes of 1967 and 1968.  I know he will be joining President Tilghman as she meets with alumni during Reunions later this spring, and I hope many of you will have opportunities then and on other occasions to congratulate Chris on his appointment and to join me and the other Trustees in wishing him every success as our next President.

Katie Hall ‘80