South Middlesex Times

Rutgers President Emeritus Richard L. McCormick has been appointed interim president of Stony Brook University for the upcoming academic year, as announced by the State University of New York (SUNY) Board of Trustees this week.

McCormick, who served as Rutgers’ 19th president from December 1, 2002, to June 30, 2012, will assume his interim role on August 1. He will take a leave of absence from his current position as University Professor at Rutgers during his tenure at Stony Brook.

“Each step we take in this leadership transition is important, and we welcome Dr. McCormick,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “His vast higher education experience will continue to move this esteemed university forward as the campus conducts a national search for its new president.”

McCormick brings extensive experience in higher education leadership with previous presidential roles at both Rutgers University and the University of Washington. He also held positions such as executive vice chancellor, provost, and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“Stony Brook University is a renowned institution with a stellar reputation for its academic programs, innovative research and vast student offerings. I have long admired Stony Brook, and I look forward to leading the university during this period of transition,’’ McCormick stated. “My thanks to the SUNY Board of Trustees, Chancellor King and the Stony Brook University College Council for this opportunity.”

A scholar specializing in American political history who began his academic career on the Rutgers faculty, McCormick’s connections to Rutgers run deep. His mother was a longtime Rutgers administrator and his father was an alumnus and esteemed member of the Rutgers history faculty.

In addition to being a Board of Governors Professor of History and Education at Rutgers, McCormick has received numerous awards and fellowships and authored several books and articles on American political history. He is currently working on a book about American political corruption from the 17th century to present times. He holds a doctoral degree in history from Yale University and a bachelor’s degree in American studies from Amherst College.

“Richard McCormick will bring his deep experience as a leader in higher education to Stony Brook along with his impressive record for being unafraid to tackle difficult issues – key traits that are profoundly needed in this moment,” said Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway. “Stony Brook is fortunate to have his stewardship in the pivotal year ahead."

Stony Brook serves over 25,000 students as part of the SUNY system which enrolls approximately 1.4 million students across various courses and programs including continuing education and community outreach initiatives.

The announcement by Stony Brook regarding McCormick's appointment mentioned that following President Maurie McInnis’s recent departure to become president of Yale University, a search for her successor would commence this summer. As interim president, McCormick will not be considered for permanent presidency at Stony Brook.

“Dr. McCormick brings to Stony Brook a diverse set of experiences that will bode well for the university,” noted Rev. M. William Howard Jr., former chairperson of the Rutgers Board of Governors.