Chancellor Steven Diner Steps Down

October 19, 2011

Members of the Rutgers Community:

Earlier today, Dr. Steven Diner informed me that he will step down as chancellor of Rutgers–Newark at the end of the fall 2011 semester. He will return to the faculty and will, upon the approval of the Board of Governors, be appointed University Professor.

Chancellor Diner has served with dedication and distinction in his nearly 10 years as the head of the Newark Campus, and the Rutgers community is stronger for his leadership. During his tenure, the campus has made important advancements, including the establishment of the School of Public Affairs and Administration and the Division of Global Affairs, construction of the first residence hall at Newark in 16 years, and substantial growth in enrollment.

Chancellor Diner has championed Rutgers–Newark as a model of the modern urban research university, one whose research, teaching, and service have both benefited greatly from its setting and contributed significantly to the economic and social development of the city of Newark. He has rightly taken pride in Rutgers–Newark's distinction as the most diverse university campus in the nation, and worked hard to encourage the faculty to take full advantage of that diversity in the curriculum. He also brought attention to the strengths of Rutgers–Newark in his efforts as president of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities.

Soon I will announce the selection of an interim chancellor for Rutgers–Newark, whose tenure will begin in the spring 2012 semester. In deference to my successor, I do not intend to appoint a permanent chancellor but will leave that process to Rutgers' next president.

As Chancellor Diner completes his tenure, I know you will join me in thanking him for his dedication, applauding his many accomplishments on behalf of Rutgers, and wishing him well in the next phase of his academic career.

Richard L. McCormick
President
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey