As Rutgers University scrambles to name a new president ahead of Jonathan Holloway’s June 30 departure, a surprising name has emerged in internal discussions: Governor Phil Murphy.
That’s according to a new report from NJ.com, which cites sources familiar with the university’s ongoing search. With Murphy’s second term as governor ending this November and no chance of re-election, insiders say his name has been “floated” as a potential candidate to lead the state’s flagship university. But those same sources say Murphy isn’t interested in the job.
Even so, the mere mention of Murphy’s name has sent ripples through Trenton and New Brunswick alike, raising eyebrows at a moment when Rutgers is navigating political landmines and preparing for a leadership handoff.
The timing is notable. Holloway, who took over in 2020, announced last year that he would step down after completing the five-year minimum outlined in his contract. His presidency has been marked by significant unrest — including a historic faculty strike in 2023 and pro-Palestinian encampments on campus earlier this spring. Holloway later revealed to The Star-Ledger that he’d grown weary of the constant crises and even criticized Murphy for contributing to the pressure he faced during the strike.
Still, some see Murphy as a natural fit. He has long touted higher education as a pillar of his administration, has deep ties to Rutgers, and has never been shy about engaging with university politics. When faculty went on strike last year, it was Murphy who helped broker the deal that brought it to a close. But sources say despite the speculation, the outgoing governor has no appetite to take the reins of a university still grappling with controversy and division.
“He’s flattered, but not interested,” one source familiar with the discussions said bluntly.
Meanwhile, Rutgers is reportedly down to a final shortlist of candidates and hopes to name Holloway’s successor by July 1. Officials are moving quickly to avoid a leadership vacuum during a turbulent period for higher education nationwide — particularly when it comes to protests, speech policies, and campus climate around the Israel-Hamas war.
Though Murphy appears to be out of the running, the fact that his name was even in the mix speaks volumes about both the university’s stature and the political complexity of the role. Rutgers doesn’t just need an academic — it needs a leader who can navigate pressure from unions, donors, lawmakers, and an increasingly volatile student body.
Holloway, for his part, will remain connected to Rutgers. He plans to take a paid sabbatical in the 2025–2026 academic year and then return as a full-time faculty member.