Brown University President Christina Paxson announced on August 3, 2026, that she will step down at the end of the 2026-27 academic year. Paxson, who has served as president since 2012, is the longest-serving president in the Ivy League. During her tenure, she dealt with challenges including a controversial agreement with the Trump administration regarding research funding and campus protests related to various social issues.
Under the agreement, Brown committed to investing $50 million in Rhode Island workforce development programs and complying with certain policies set by the Trump administration, which resulted in the release of $510 million in federal funding for the university. Paxson's resignation follows a period marked by significant events, including a mass shooting on campus in December 2025 that resulted in the deaths of two students.
In her resignation message, Paxson noted that despite a volatile federal landscape, Brown is receiving major grants for research. The university plans to appoint a successor after her departure. Paxson's resignation coincided with a letter from Education Secretary Linda McMahon, urging university leaders to reaffirm their commitment to serving the American public.