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 hope you are enjoying "all that is fall" and that your semester is going well.
I am pleased to share that the Presidential Search Committee has concluded first-round virtual interviews with candidates for Roosevelt University's next president. These conversations were another important step in the search process and provided the Search Committee with a valuable opportunity to engage more deeply with the individuals we selected from the broader pool.
The Search Committee enjoyed meeting the candidates, each of whom brought unique experiences, strengths and perspectives to the conversation. We appreciated the seriousness with which they approached the interviews and the thoughtful ways they talked about their connections to Roosevelt's mission and its future aspirations.
The next step will be to invite the strongest candidates from this group to participate in second-round interviews. These in-person meetings provide an opportunity to move beyond written materials and virtual discussions, helping the Search Committee better understand how each candidate thinks, listens, responds and engages in real time. Our time with each candidate will allow the Search Committee to more fully assess each candidate's passion for Roosevelt's mission, leadership style and ability to build authentic connections with members of our community.
I continue to be grateful for Search Committee's focus and engagement. I am excited about the progress we've made and the important work ahead as we move closer to identifying Roosevelt's next president.
I look forward to updating you again in the near future.
In service,
Valerie Barker Waller
Chair, Presidential Search Committee
Vice Chair, Roosevelt University Board of Trustees