PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — Noting her strong and constant leadership and her accomplished track record in advancing Brown’s mission of education and research, the Corporation of Brown University has unanimously approved the extension of President Christina H. Paxson’s appointment for an additional two years, from its current end date of June 30, 2026, to June 30, 2028.

Chancellor Brian T. Moynihan announced the extension in a Tuesday, May 27, letter to the Brown community. He commended Paxson’s successes in strengthening Brown’s education and research enterprise through new programs and facilities, enhancing financial support for students, and growing relationships with partners in Providence and Rhode Island, among many other accomplishments. 

“During a tumultuous time facing American higher education, Brown is fortunate to benefit from President Paxson’s steady and principled leadership,” Moynihan wrote. “We are excited that the University will continue to benefit from her strategic vision, boundless energy, unwavering dedication and fortitude during periods of momentous change. Our community has been made stronger by her sincere belief in all the good that Brown can do in the world.”

Paxson, who is now completing her 13th year as Brown’s president, said that as universities continue to face unprecedented threats to their academic missions, she will continue to work with Brown community members to uphold the core principles that anchor the University.

“The uncertainty of the times we are in, while challenging, has reaffirmed my belief in our mission and the dedication of Brown faculty, students and staff to serve the community, the nation and the world with distinction,” Paxson said. “Having the opportunity to lead this great university continues to be a privilege and an honor, and the work we have done together has been both fulfilling and inspirational.”

The full text of Moynihan’s letter is included below.

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President Paxson term extension to June 30, 2028

Dear Brown Community Members and Friends,

The Corporation of Brown University has asked President Christina H. Paxson to extend her appointment as president an additional two years from its current end date of June 30, 2026, to June 30, 2028, and I am very pleased to share that she has accepted. The full Corporation unanimously approved the extension during meetings earlier this month with tremendous enthusiasm. 

Now in her 13th year as Brown's president, Christina Paxson has demonstrated exceptional capacity to build and sustain critical support for Brown’s mission of education and research. During a tumultuous time facing American higher education, Brown is fortunate to benefit from President Paxson’s steady and principled leadership. We are excited that the University will continue to benefit from her strategic vision, boundless energy, unwavering dedication and fortitude during periods of momentous change. Our community has been made stronger by her sincere belief in all the good that Brown can do in the world.

We see President Paxson's leadership reflected in the increase in world-class faculty; strengthening of Brown's education and research enterprise through new programs and facilities; greatly enhanced financial support for students and initiatives contributing to a vibrant campus life; and growth in the University's relationships with partners in Providence and Rhode Island. But true to her commitment to always put the people of our community first, President Paxson will always be the first to say that those who live, work and study at Brown are the driving force that makes it all possible, as well as the deep engagement of the alumni and friends who love this great institution. 

Beyond Brown, President Paxson continues to serve as a national voice in asserting the fundamental importance of leading research institutions to educate and serve people and communities locally, nationally and around the world. She has been a champion for Brown's role in helping to train and prepare the next generation of workers, problem solvers and leaders, and the University's transformative impact in advancing medicine, engineering, technology and innovation across academic fields. 

For Brown's presidents, terms of appointment can be extended at any time by mutual agreement of the president and the institution's highest governing body. Members of the Corporation were vigorous in their agreement that President Paxson should continue to lead the University and build on her positive impact of the past 13 years. 

On behalf of the Corporation, I want to thank President Paxson for her enduring commitment to the University and its students, faculty, staff and alumni. She has our full and complete confidence as Brown continues on a path of building its excellence among top universities.

Sincerely,

Brian T. Moynihan
Chancellor