Rutgers University is believed to be wrapping up its search for its next president this week. It’s still unclear who will be selected, but one thing appears to be certain — it won’t be Gov. Phil Murphy.
Murphy, making his first public comments since a story on NJ.com said he was approached about the job, told BINJE he has no interest in the role.
“I have no idea where that came from, but I’m not going to be the next president of Rutgers,” he said, speaking from Dubai on the last day of his economic mission trip to three Gulf Arab States.
Murphy, who has served as a top banker, ambassador and now governor, said he did not feel he has the necessary background to do the job.
“This is a massive undertaking that needs somebody who’s an experienced educator and administrator at the very highest level,” he said. “I’m flattered, humbled, but that’s not going to be me.”
Murphy gave credit to Amy Towers, the chair of the Rutgers University Board of Governors, and the search committee for their efforts during a difficult time in higher education.
“I won’t comment on the progress of the search, except to say that I am confident that Rutgers has been able to find some really qualified and really talented candidates,” he said. “That’s not an easy statement to make, because, these days, it’s not easy being a university president, to say the least.
“I think the Rutgers board, led by Amy Towers, who’s an outstanding chair, deserves a lot of credit for the Rutgers brand. I think she deserves a lot of credit for tracking what I know will be a great pool of candidates.
“Where that lands and when it lands, I’ll leave it to the Rutgers board to make news there.”
Murphy also gave credit to outgoing President Jonathan Holloway, who is leaving after serving in the role for five years.
“I’m really incredibly thankful to Jonathan Holloway for five really good years in the context of really hard times to be university president,” he said.
