On February 11, 2020, I wrote to you with the news that the Corporation of Brown University had unanimously and enthusiastically approved the early extension of President Christina H. Paxson’s appointment for an additional three years, to June 30, 2025. As I noted at that time, President Paxson “is a proven leader of extraordinary ability, enormous energy, unshakeable values and boundless passion for Brown. Her impact on the University has been transformational, leading Brown forward with vision and purpose, setting a standard for excellence in all that Brown does, and elevating the institution’s standing among the world’s great universities.” 

As we all well know, just a month later the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered our lives on campus and around the world. In light of the uncertainty of those early months – and the need for the leadership of the University to remain wholly focused on the health and safety of the Brown community – we set aside formalizing the appointment extension I had announced in February. When we came back to it the following year, the Corporation approved, and President Paxson accepted, an additional year in her current term, to June 30, 2026. 

Terms of appointment for University presidents can be extended by mutual agreement at any time, and Brown is fortunate to benefit from President Paxson’s unshakeable commitment to elevate Brown’s excellence and value to the world. The Corporation has absolute confidence and deep appreciation for the leadership President Paxson has provided to the Brown community over the past eleven years, and looks forward to continued progress and momentum with the greatest of enthusiasm. 

Sincerely, 

Samuel M. Mencoff
Chancellor, Brown University