Former Yale College Dean Jonathan Holloway has been named Rutgers University's first Black president in the school's 253-year history. The school announced the historic move on Tuesday, saying Holloway will begin his tenure on July 1.

"Jonathan Holloway has been named the 21st President of Rutgers University," Rutgers University said on Twitter. "The eminent historian, author and academic administrator will begin his presidency on July 1, 2020, following successful tenures at Northwestern and Yale."

Jonathan Holloway has been named the 21st President of Rutgers University.

The eminent historian, author and academic administrator will begin his presidency on July 1, 2020, following successful tenures at Northwestern and Yale. pic.twitter.com/tjWgHxsw2S

— Rutgers University (@RutgersU) January 21, 2020

According to NBC News, Holloway previously served as Northwestern University's provost, and he will now replace former President Robert Barchi at Rutgers University.

“I was drawn to the opportunity at Rutgers University because of its amazing history, its foundation of excellence in teaching and its ambition to continue conducting life-changing research that improves our communities, our country and our world,” Holloway said in a statement.

The 52-year-old earned his bachelor’s degree with honors in American studies from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in history from Yale University, according to Rutgers Today.

Holloway, who served as the first Black dean for Yale College, stepped down from his position in 2016 after students criticized him for failing to condemn a teacher who wanted to allow students to wear Native American headdresses, blackface and turbans as costumes for Halloween.

Rutgers Board of Governors Chair Mark Angelson said Holloway "is an extraordinarily distinguished scholar with an outstanding record as an academic administrator at Northwestern and Yale."

"He is thoughtful, visionary, inclusive and decisive. He leads with remarkable integrity, and is just the right person to build upon Rutgers’ long tradition as an academic and research powerhouse,” Angelson said. “We are confident that we have chosen the best person to lead Rutgers into the future.”

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy also supported the board's decision in a statement on Twitter.

"Dr. Holloway understands the need to put [Rutgers] students first, and we share a commitment to keeping a college education affordable and within reach of every student," Murphy said. "Under his leadership, I’m confident Rutgers will continue rising as one of our nation’s leading universities."

Dr. Holloway understands the need to put @RutgersU students first, and we share a commitment to keeping a college education affordable and within reach of every student. Under his leadership, I’m confident Rutgers will continue rising as one of our nation’s leading universities. pic.twitter.com/8dXSRxodxJ

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) January 21, 2020

According to the New York Times, 17% of presidents in U.S. colleges and universities are minorities. Of the 17%, 8% are Black.

Jonathan Holloway

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