“In an era defined by speed, spectacle and performative acts, we have a moment to
demonstrate our commitment to opportunity. It exists in every ZIP code and income
bracket in New Jersey. It is limited only by our collective focus and imagination.”
“When it comes to students, excellence can be found everywhere. Finding it — and
letting it flourish — drives our state, our university, our communities forward.”
That vision, that mission summed up the inauguration of William Tate IV as the 22nd
president of Rutgers University.
The quote, given to a small, invitation-only audience of approximately 300 at Ruth
Bader Ginsburg Hall at Rutgers-Newark, spoke volumes about Tate’s vision for the
state’s flagship university.
So did this: Tate announced the creation of The Edge Fund for scholarships to
celebrate and support the next generation of thinkers and creators who achieve
innovations in the arts, sports, science and technology.
Tate noted the Edge Fund is created for students whose brilliance crosses categories
— artists, scientists, coders, writers and competitors in nonrevenue sports — students
who bring imagination, integrity, prowess and impact to Rutgers.
“These are the future inductees to the New Jersey Hall of Fame,” he said.
Numerous key members of the Rutgers community reacted warmly to the event.
“Dr. Tate brings to Rutgers a deep commitment to scholarship, a drive for innovation, an
absolute passion for life, and a deep belief that our university’s greatest strength is our
people – our faculty, staff, students and alumni who all embody the Rutgers’ spirit of
resilience and possibility,” Rutgers Board of Governors Chair Amy Towers said.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era for Rutgers. An era that honors our vibrant
past while embracing the opportunities of the future with confidence and courage,
energy and excitement.”
Rutgers Board of Trustees Chair Kenneth Johnson agreed.
“I can say with complete confidence and conviction that William F. Tate IV is the right
person for this moment,” he said. “He is the person that will push Rutgers forward on its
path to win, to grow as a premier public research institution, and he will leverage and
amplify the many strengths of the university, including faculty, students, staff and alumni
to get us there. I can’t wait to see how President Tate will bring us to the future as we
travel that path together.”
Tate began his role at Rutgers on July 1. He previously served as president of LSU and
held faculty and leadership roles at the University of South Carolina, Washington
University in St. Louis, Texas Christian University and the University of Wisconsin-
Madison.
