Rutgers University Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence and research, Rutgers University stands as a premier public research institution dedicated to opportunity and innovation across New Jersey and the metropolitan area.

Leadership Roles at Rutgers University

  • Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer - Sandra Hill
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer - J. Gower
  • Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Operating Officer - Michael Szul
  • President - Gabrielle Fuzeaux
  • President - Francis Lawrence
  • Chief of Staff - Gregory Jackson
  • Vice President, Administration & Chief of Staff - Varsha Nakum
  • Vice President, Academic Planning Administration & Chief of Staff - Kimberly O'Halloran
  • Senior Executive Associate and Chief of Staff - Lajeanesse Harris
  • Chief Medical Officer, Rutgers Athletics - Joshua Bershad
  • 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. Overseeing critical functions, Hill ensures alignment with Rutgers' mission as a leading public research university. This leadership role involves driving institutional growth and enhancing academic and research endeavors across its New Jersey locations. By focusing on strategic partnerships and resource allocation, Sandra Hill directly impacts the university's market position and commitment to opportunity.

    J. Gower - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

    J. Gower, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at Rutgers University, directs the comprehensive financial strategy and fiscal management for the institution. Gower oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, investments, and treasury functions, ensuring the university's financial stability and growth. This role is critical for supporting Rutgers' extensive academic, research, and health initiatives. By managing financial resources effectively and guiding fiscal policy, J. Gower directly enables the university's mission as a leading public research university and a hub of opportunity.
    J. Gower

    Michael Szul - Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Szul, the Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Operating Officer at Rutgers University, directs the comprehensive operational strategy for Rutgers Athletics, ensuring fiscal responsibility and programmatic excellence. Szul manages all aspects of athletic department operations, including facilities, finance, and personnel, supporting student-athlete success and competitive performance. This role is crucial for maintaining Rutgers' status as a significant athletic program within a leading public research university. By optimizing resource allocation and driving operational efficiencies, Michael Szul directly enhances the athletic department's contribution to the university's overall mission and reputation.

    Gabrielle Fuzeaux - President

    Gabrielle Fuzeaux, the President at Rutgers University, leads the strategic direction and overall mission of the institution, guiding its trajectory as a premier public research university. Fuzeaux champions academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and student success across all campuses. This leadership position is fundamental to advancing Rutgers' standing as a national academic and health powerhouse. By setting institutional priorities and fostering a culture of innovation, Gabrielle Fuzeaux directly drives the university's commitment to opportunity and its impact on the New Jersey metropolitan area.

    Francis Lawrence - President

    Francis Lawrence, the President at Rutgers University, guides the strategic vision and operational execution for the institution, reinforcing its status as a leading public research university. Lawrence drives initiatives that enhance academic quality, research output, and community engagement across its New Jersey locations. This leadership role is pivotal in advancing Rutgers' mission as an academic, health, and research powerhouse. By fostering innovation and ensuring institutional alignment, Francis Lawrence directly supports the university's commitment to providing unparalleled opportunities and maintaining its significant regional impact.

    Gregory Jackson - Chief of Staff

    Gregory Jackson, the Chief of Staff at Rutgers University, provides direct support and strategic counsel to senior leadership, facilitating the execution of key initiatives. Jackson manages critical projects and ensures seamless communication across various university departments, enhancing operational efficiency. This role involves coordinating efforts to advance Rutgers' standing as a top-tier public research university. By streamlining administrative processes and supporting strategic planning, Gregory Jackson contributes significantly to the university's mission and operational effectiveness.

    Varsha Nakum - Vice President, Administration & Chief of Staff

    Varsha Nakum, the Vice President, Administration & Chief of Staff at Rutgers University, oversees critical administrative functions and supports executive leadership in strategic implementation. Nakum directs operational improvements and ensures the efficient management of resources across the university's campuses. This position is vital for maintaining the smooth functioning of Rutgers as a major academic, health, and research powerhouse. By optimizing administrative processes and fostering interdepartmental collaboration, Varsha Nakum directly supports the university's commitment to providing opportunities and advancing its research agenda.

    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, leads strategic academic planning and oversees key administrative operations. O'Halloran ensures that academic initiatives align with the university's research mission and commitment to student success. This position is integral to the effective management of Rutgers' diverse academic programs and its role as a comprehensive public research institution. By driving strategic academic development and enhancing administrative support, Kimberly O'Halloran directly contributes to the university's educational excellence and its position as a university of opportunity.

    Lajeanesse Harris - Senior Executive Associate and Chief of Staff

    Lajeanesse Harris, the Senior Executive Associate and Chief of Staff at Rutgers University, provides high-level executive support and manages critical projects for senior leadership. Harris facilitates strategic communication and operational coordination across the university, ensuring initiatives progress effectively. This role is essential for advancing Rutgers' objectives as a top-tier public research university. By streamlining executive operations and supporting strategic implementation, Lajeanesse Harris directly contributes to the university's mission of academic excellence and research innovation.

    Joshua Bershad - Chief Medical Officer, Rutgers Athletics

    Joshua Bershad, the Chief Medical Officer, Rutgers Athletics at Rutgers University, oversees the health and medical services for all student-athletes, ensuring their well-being and performance. Bershad directs the medical team, implements comprehensive health protocols, and manages injury prevention and treatment strategies. This role is vital for supporting the athletic program's commitment to student-athlete welfare within a leading research university. By prioritizing athlete health and providing expert medical guidance, Joshua Bershad directly contributes to the success and safety of Rutgers' athletic endeavors.

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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 J. Gower (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer) 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), J. Gower (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer), 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, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Operating Officer, President, President.