PROVIDENCE – Christina H. Paxson, president of Brown University since 2012, has been reappointed to a second, five-year term by the Corporation of Brown University, extending her tenure to 2022, according to a statement from the school on Thursday.
Chancellor Samuel M. Mencoff noted the corporation’s confidence in Paxson, the university’s 19th president, in a letter to the Brown community.
It read: “While this wonderful news comes at a time of heightened uncertainty in federal policy relating to American higher education, the corporation could not be more confident that President Paxson’s steady hand, clear vision, energetic leadership and boundless passion for Brown will continue to move the university forward with vigor and purpose.”
Among Paxson’s accomplishments noted in the letter was her commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all Brown community members through the February 2016 Pathways to Diversity and Inclusion action plan – the same year the First-Generation College and Low-Income Student Center opened.
In a statement, Paxson said she appreciated the opportunity to learn from and become a member of the Brown community.
“The progress we have made together over the past five years builds on Brown’s distinctive approach to academic inquiry — open-minded, rigorous, collaborative and creative — and our deep commitment to education and research that serves society. I have deep love for this university, and it continues to be my honor and privilege to be part of this community and to serve Brown,” she said.
Mencoff also lauded the scholarship, research and teaching opportunities established during Paxson’s tenure to date, including the School of Public Health, the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society and the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute.
During her tenure, Paxson supervised a 21.6 percent endowment increase, for a total $181 million in fiscal year 2016, and launched the BrownTogether campaign to invest in the school’s people and impact in society.
In addition to her role as president of the university, Paxson is a professor of economics and international and public affairs. She has recently completed research focused on the connection between economic factors and health and welfare of children.
