Rutgers University Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Rutgers University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, operations, finance, academic planning, and presidential leadership.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, Rutgers University stands as a premier public research institution dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering opportunity across New Jersey and beyond.

Leadership Roles at Rutgers University

  • Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer - Sandra Hill
  • Senior VP, Administration & Chief Financial Officer - Jeffrey Apfel
  • Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Operating Officer - Michael Szul
  • President - Liliana Hopkins
  • President - Simon Kowerski
  • President of Honors Artist Collective - Angelique Dinnall
  • Chief Technology Officer, Regulatory Affairs & Manager - Farah Anwar
  • Vice President, Academic Planning Administration & Chief of Staff - Kimberly O'Halloran
  • Vice President, Administration & Chief of Staff - Varsha Nakum
  • Chief of Staff & Senior For Strategic Initiatives Vice Chancellor - Bil Leipold
  • Sandra Hill - Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer

    Sandra Hill, the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer at Rutgers University, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution for the institution. Hill oversees all major divisions, ensuring alignment with Rutgers' mission as a leading public research university. This leadership role involves driving institutional growth, enhancing academic programs, and expanding research initiatives across the New Jersey region. By fostering collaboration among departments, Sandra Hill ensures the university effectively addresses complex societal challenges and maintains its position as a university of opportunity. Hill's strategic direction guides the institution's commitment to academic excellence and its significant impact on the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area.

    Jeffrey Apfel - Senior VP, Administration & Chief Financial Officer

    Jeffrey Apfel, the Senior VP, Administration & Chief Financial Officer at Rutgers University, directs the financial strategy and administrative operations for the institution. Apfel oversees all fiscal matters, including budgeting, financial planning, and resource management, ensuring the university's financial health and sustainability. This leadership position involves managing administrative functions that support academic and research activities across Rutgers' New Jersey campuses. By guiding financial policies, Jeffrey Apfel ensures robust fiscal stewardship and supports the university's mission as a leading public research institution. Apfel's financial acumen is vital for maintaining Rutgers' operational capacity and its commitment to providing educational opportunities.

    Michael Szul - Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Szul, the Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Operating Officer at Rutgers University, manages the comprehensive operational framework for the university's athletic programs. Szul oversees all aspects of athletic department functioning, including finance, facilities, and personnel, ensuring seamless execution of events and strategic initiatives. This position involves optimizing resource allocation and driving operational efficiency to support student-athlete success and competitive performance across various sports. By directing daily operations, Michael Szul ensures the athletic department aligns with the broader institutional goals of Rutgers University. Szul's operational oversight is critical to maintaining the high standards expected of a major public research university's athletic division.

    Liliana Hopkins - President

    Liliana Hopkins, the President at Rutgers University, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the institution. Hopkins oversees the university's comprehensive academic, research, and operational functions, ensuring alignment with its mission as a leading public research university. This role involves guiding institutional priorities, fostering a culture of academic excellence, and enhancing the university's impact across the New Jersey region and beyond. By directing university-wide strategies, Liliana Hopkins ensures Rutgers continues to be a university of opportunity. Hopkins' leadership is fundamental to maintaining the institution's high standards and its commitment to advancing knowledge.

    Simon Kowerski - President

    Simon Kowerski, the President at Rutgers University, directs the strategic vision and operational execution for the institution. Kowerski oversees all major divisions, ensuring alignment with Rutgers' mission as a leading public research university. This leadership role involves driving institutional growth, enhancing academic programs, and expanding research initiatives across the New Jersey region. By fostering collaboration among departments, Simon Kowerski ensures the university effectively addresses complex societal challenges and maintains its position as a university of opportunity. Kowerski's strategic direction guides the institution's commitment to academic excellence and its significant impact on the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area.

    Angelique Dinnall - President of Honors Artist Collective

    Angelique Dinnall, the President of Honors Artist Collective at Rutgers University, leads the strategic development and operational management of the artist collective. Dinnall oversees initiatives that foster artistic talent and promote creative expression within the university community. This role involves curating programs and events that enhance the student experience and showcase artistic achievements across Rutgers' New Jersey campuses. By directing the collective's activities, Angelique Dinnall supports the university's commitment to a diverse and vibrant academic environment. Dinnall's leadership is crucial for advancing the arts and enriching the cultural landscape of this leading public research institution.

    Farah Anwar - Chief Technology Officer, Regulatory Affairs & Manager

    Farah Anwar, the Chief Technology Officer, Regulatory Affairs & Manager at Rutgers University, architects the institution's technological infrastructure and oversees critical regulatory compliance. Anwar directs the implementation of advanced technology solutions that support Rutgers' extensive research and academic endeavors across its New Jersey locations. This role involves managing IT operations, ensuring data security, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes pertinent to a major public research university. By optimizing technological resources, Farah Anwar enhances the university's capacity for innovation and operational efficiency. Anwar's leadership ensures that Rutgers remains at the forefront of technological advancement in education and research, supporting its broad market reach.

    Kimberly O'Halloran - Vice President, Academic Planning Administration & Chief of Staff

    Kimberly O'Halloran, the Vice President, Academic Planning Administration & Chief of Staff at Rutgers University, spearheads academic strategic planning and oversees key administrative functions. O'Halloran directs initiatives that enhance academic program development and ensure efficient administrative processes across the university's multiple locations. This role involves close collaboration with academic leadership to align planning with Rutgers' research and educational objectives. By managing administrative operations and supporting strategic projects, Kimberly O'Halloran facilitates the smooth functioning of the university. O'Halloran's efforts are crucial for advancing Rutgers' standing as a top-tier public research university.

    Varsha Nakum - Vice President, Administration & Chief of Staff

    Varsha Nakum, the Vice President, Administration & Chief of Staff at Rutgers University, directs critical administrative operations and provides strategic support to institutional leadership. Nakum oversees various administrative departments, ensuring operational effectiveness and alignment with the university's mission. This role involves managing key projects and initiatives that enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of Rutgers University. By coordinating administrative efforts, Varsha Nakum supports the strategic goals of the institution across its New Jersey footprint. Nakum's contributions are essential for maintaining the high operational standards of this leading public research university.

    Bil Leipold - Chief of Staff & Senior For Strategic Initiatives Vice Chancellor

    Bil Leipold, the Chief of Staff & Senior For Strategic Initiatives Vice Chancellor at Rutgers University, drives strategic initiatives and provides high-level operational support. Leipold oversees the execution of key strategic projects that advance the university's research and academic missions across its New Jersey locations. This position involves coordinating efforts across various university divisions to ensure strategic alignment and successful implementation. By leading strategic planning and operational coordination, Bil Leipold enhances Rutgers University's capacity for innovation and growth. Leipold's focus on strategic initiatives is vital for maintaining the institution's competitive edge as a premier public research university.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Rutgers University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Rutgers University?
    Rutgers University is led by Sandra Hill (Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jeffrey Apfel (Senior VP, Administration & Chief Financial Officer) and Michael Szul (Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Rutgers University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Rutgers University includes leaders such as Sandra Hill (Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer), Jeffrey Apfel (Senior VP, Administration & Chief Financial Officer), Michael Szul (Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Rutgers University have?
    Rutgers University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Rutgers University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Rutgers University includes roles such as Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Senior VP, Administration & Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Operating Officer, President, President.