South Middlesex Times

Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway has been appointed as the new president and chief executive officer of the Henry Luce Foundation. The announcement was made by the Foundation's Board of Directors, naming Holloway as its seventh president. Holloway will begin his new role on October 1, 2025, after concluding his term as the 21st president of Rutgers University on June 30, 2025.

Debra Knopman and Terry Adamson, co-chairs of the Foundation's Board, praised Holloway's suitability for the role, stating, “Dr. Holloway is an eminent historian, a respected scholar of the humanities, a public intellectual and an influential leader in higher education. His thoughtful approach to collaboration and a firm commitment to the Foundation's long-term view of impact from its grantmaking position him well to lead the Foundation into the future.”

Holloway expressed that the Luce Foundation’s mission to promote knowledge and understanding in pursuit of a more democratic and just world aligns with his values. Established in 1936 by Henry Luce, co-founder and editor of Time Inc., the Foundation is known for its independent, nonprofit status and has distributed over $1 billion in grants across various fields.

Initially, Holloway planned to spend a year on sabbatical, reconnecting with his academic work, before returning to Rutgers in July 2026. However, upon the Luce Foundation's approach, he saw the role as “a special opportunity to develop new skills and content knowledge in the arts, religion, technology and culture, while continuing my commitment to support civic engagement in the public sphere.”

Once Holloway assumes the presidency at Luce, he will forgo the remainder of his sabbatical and leave his positions as Distinguished Professor and University Professor. Holloway noted, “I am honored to join the Henry Luce Foundation after I complete my tenure at Rutgers and to build upon its decades of remarkable work to foster discussion across differences, improve public discourse, and nurture ideas that will strengthen communities.”

During his tenure at Rutgers, Holloway established initiatives such as the Rutgers Democracy Lab, and the Rutgers Scarlet Service, to promote civic engagement and develop students’ commitment to public service. Amy Towers, chair of the Rutgers Board of Governors, acknowledged his contributions, stating, “We appreciate Dr. Holloway’s service to Rutgers and wish him well as he prepares for this next chapter to further advance the common good around the world.”

The Henry Luce Foundation maintains its mission through grant programs focusing on various areas such as American Art, Asia, Democracy, Ethics, Indigenous Knowledge, and more.