In March 2026, Roosevelt University announced that President Ali Malekzadeh will retire following the conclusion of his contract in June 2027. The Roosevelt community extends its sincere gratitude to President Malekzadeh for his 12 years of visionary leadership and his deep commitment to the University’s founding mission. His impact will be felt for years to come as we build momentum into the future with the search for Roosevelt’s next president.
Updates on the presidential search will be shared on this page as they become available.
Roosevelt University seeks a values‑driven, student‑centered leader with the vision, judgment, and energy to guide a complex, mission‑focused institution in a rapidly evolving higher‑education environment. The ideal candidate will bring senior‑level leadership experience, strong financial and strategic acumen, and a demonstrated commitment to access, equity, and social justice to lead the University boldly and creatively into the future. Download a PDF of the Leadership Profile.
The Roosevelt community was invited to share thoughts and feedback on the qualities and qualifications that will be important in candidates for the next president. A series of listening sessions was held in April for students, faculty, staff, alumni and donors. Many thanks to our community members who shared their thoughts and insights on the presidential search and recommendations for candidates.
Dear Members of the Roosevelt Community,
I am pleased to share another update on the presidential search following the completion of in-person interviews with candidates for Roosevelt University’s next president. These meetings provided the Presidential Search Committee with an important opportunity to engage more fully with the candidates and continue considering their experiences and leadership approaches.
As you may recall, the charge to the Search Committee was to recommend candidates to the Board of Trustees that have the qualifications and qualities outlined in the Presidential Leadership Profile. Following engaging conversations with each candidate and thoughtful deliberation, the Search Committee selected candidates for virtual interviews with the Board. This next round of conversations will allow the Board to engage directly with the candidates the Search Committee has carefully vetted and to further explore their alignment with the aspirations of our University. Finalist candidates will then be invited to participate in a last round of interviews, and the Board will make its selection of Roosevelt's seventh president.
I want to personally thank each and every member of the Search Committee for the care, diligence and thoughtfulness they brought to this critically important effort. I am also grateful for the active engagement of the Roosevelt community and its support of the Search Committee's work.
I hope you are having an amazing fall and wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.
In service,
Valerie Barker Waller
Chair, Presidential Search Committee
Vice Chair, Roosevelt University Board of Trustees