Jonathan Holloway (historian) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jonathan Holloway
|
|
|---|---|
Holloway in 2023
|
|
| 21st President of Rutgers University | |
| In office July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2025 |
|
| Preceded by | Robert Barchi |
| Succeeded by | William F. Tate IV |
| Provost of Northwestern University | |
| In office August 1, 2017 – July 1, 2020 |
|
| Preceded by | Daniel I. Linzer |
| Succeeded by | Kathleen Hagerty |
| Dean of Yale College | |
| In office July 1, 2014 – July 1, 2017 |
|
| Preceded by | Mary Miller |
| Succeeded by | Marvin Chun |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jonathan Scott Holloway
1967 (age 57–58) Hawaii, U.S. |
| Relatives | Brian Holloway (brother) |
| Education | Stanford University (BA) Yale University (MA, PhD) |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | |
| Thesis | Confronting the Veil: New Deal African-American Intellectuals and the Evolution of a Radical Voice (1995) |
| Doctoral advisor | David Montgomery |
Jonathan Scott Holloway (born 1967) is an American historian and university leader. He was the 21st president of Rutgers University. He was the first person of color and first African American to lead Rutgers.
Holloway became president of Rutgers University on July 1, 2020. Before this, he was a top leader at Northwestern University. He also served as the dean of Yale College at Yale University. During his time at Rutgers, he managed the university's response to a major strike in 2023. He announced in September 2024 that the 2024–2025 school year would be his last. William F. Tate IV became the new president on July 1, 2025.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Holloway was born in Hawaii. He grew up on military bases in Montgomery, Alabama and Maryland. His father was in the United States Air Force.
He was a talented football player at Winston Churchill High School. He even received an honorable mention from USA Today.
College Years
Holloway went to Stanford University to play football. He graduated in 1989 with a degree in American studies. While at Stanford, he played with future U.S. Senator Cory Booker. Holloway later earned his Ph.D. in history from Yale University in 1995.
Academic Career
Holloway started his teaching career at the University of California, San Diego. He then returned to Yale in 1999. By 2004, he became a full professor there.
Leadership at Yale
In 2005, Holloway became the Master (now called "Head") of Calhoun College at Yale. He was known for being friendly and involved with students. He also led the group that oversaw Yale's residential colleges.
He was considered for the dean of Yale College in 2008. In May 2014, he was appointed dean, becoming Yale's first Black dean.
Holloway left Yale to become the provost of Northwestern University on August 1, 2017.
Published Works
Holloway has written several books about history. These include Confronting the Veil (2002) and Jim Crow Wisdom (2013). He also wrote The Cause of Freedom (2021) and African American History: A Very Short Introduction (2023). He has edited and contributed to other important historical books.
Leading Rutgers University
On January 21, 2020, Rutgers University announced Holloway as its 21st president. He started his role on July 1, 2020. He was the first Black president in Rutgers' history.
Key Initiatives
At Rutgers, Holloway supported a plan for the university to become carbon neutral by 2040. He also started a summer internship program focused on public service. He helped create a plan to improve diversity at the university.
He led a fundraising effort that raised $10 million for student financial aid in his first year. He later aimed to raise $50 million by the end of 2024.
University Strike
On April 9, 2023, three unions at Rutgers went on strike. This was the first strike by academic staff in the university's 257-year history. Classes and research were stopped. Holloway did not support the strike.
In September 2023, the Rutgers senate voted that they had "no confidence" in Holloway's leadership. This vote happened after some unpopular decisions he made.
Departure from Rutgers
On September 17, 2024, Holloway announced he would leave his position. The 2024-2025 academic year was his last as president. He stated he would remain focused on his work until June 30, 2025. William F. Tate IV took over as president on July 1, 2025.
The Henry Luce Foundation announced on April 4, 2025, that Holloway will become its seventh president and CEO. This new role begins on October 1, 2025.
Personal Life
Jonathan Holloway is married to Aisling Colón. They have two children. His older brother, Brian Holloway, played professional football in the NFL.
