The University of Chicago has announced that Paul Alivisatos will continue as president through June 2030, following a decision by the institution’s Board of Trustees. The extension was communicated to the university community on September 24 by Board Chair David M. Rubenstein and Vice Chairs Barry E. Fields and Kenneth M. Jacobs.
In their message, the board leaders expressed support for Alivisatos’s tenure since he became UChicago’s 14th president in September 2021, stating: “Year over year, he has relentlessly advanced the distinct values and traditions that distinguish this university from others. His steadfast and principled leadership has benefited the University tremendously, particularly as it navigates a period marked by both significant challenges and opportunities for higher education.”
The board highlighted several initiatives led by Alivisatos, including new interdisciplinary programs such as the Quantum Information Science and Engineering initiative and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth. They also noted his role in advancing computation, statistics, and artificial intelligence at UChicago; expanding undergraduate offerings with new majors; developing graduate and professional programs; launching the 4+1 program; and establishing a unified Division of the Arts & Humanities.
Under Alivisatos’s leadership, UChicago has achieved record fundraising results, with major gifts supporting free expression initiatives like the Forum on Free Inquiry and Expression, faculty research, and educational innovation. The board credited him with strengthening the university’s financial position to better support faculty work, student services, and administrative efficiency.
“As we look to the future,” Rubenstein, Fields, and Jacobs wrote, “we are confident that with Paul’s capable leadership, the University of Chicago will further its role as a beacon for inquiry, discovery and transformative education.”
Alivisatos is recognized for his contributions to nanoscience research. He holds appointments as John D. MacArthur Distinguished Service Professor in Chemistry, Molecular Engineering, and in the College at UChicago. An alumnus from the class of 1981, he is only the second graduate of UChicago to serve as its president.
“I am grateful for the Board’s confidence,” said Alivisatos. “This is a community where curiosity runs deep, intellectual aspirations are set high and inquiry is pursued rigorously. Every day, I bring devotion to serving this community as president.”