News Summary
Dr. Peter J. Mohler is set to become the new president of the University of Alabama, starting July 21, 2025. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, Mohler aims to enhance UA’s standing as a premier public flagship university. His appointment follows a unanimous approval from the UA System Board of Trustees, as he plans to focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and student success, while also addressing the challenges facing higher education today.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama – Dr. Peter J. Mohler has been appointed as the new president of the University of Alabama (UA), with his term set to officially begin on July 21, 2025. This announcement was made on June 16, 2025, at the Randall Welcome Center, marking a significant transition in the university’s leadership as he replaces outgoing President Stuart Bell, who has served the university for a decade and announced his retirement plans in January 2025.
Dr. Mohler brings more than 20 years of extensive experience in higher education leadership and research. Prior to his appointment, he served as the vice president for research at Ohio State University (OSU), where he also held the role of acting president in 2023 and served as chief scientific officer at OSU’s Wexner Medical Center. His background includes a PhD in cell and molecular biology from the University of North Carolina, earned in 2000, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Duke University’s Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
At OSU, Mohler’s leadership has been instrumental in elevating the university’s national research rankings and boosting annual research and development expenditures by up to $600 million since he joined the institution in 2012. He is an accomplished researcher with more than 275 publications focusing on critical issues such as heart arrhythmias in children. His academic career has also included teaching roles at the University of Iowa and Vanderbilt University.
The appointment of Dr. Mohler was unanimously approved by the UA System Board of Trustees. During the announcement, he expressed his vision for the future of UA, stating that the university is “distinctly positioned” to become the nation’s premier public flagship university. He emphasized the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and a renewed commitment to the university’s public mission while fostering civil discourse on campus.
Chancellor Sid J. Trant has highlighted Mohler’s leadership capabilities and his promise to transform the university through effective teaching, innovative research, and meaningful community service. This aligns with Mohler’s strategy to build on UA’s existing strong foundation while being responsive to the expectations of both the administration and the community.
Dr. Mohler, originally from Grand Junction, Colorado, was encouraged from an early age to pursue a career in science. This encouragement was pivotal in shaping his academic ambitions. He met his wife Nancy while studying biology at Wake Forest University, and the couple has three children: Eleanor, Caroline, and John.
The search for UA’s new president involved a comprehensive process led by a committee chaired by Trustee Karen P. Brooks, with contributions from faculty, staff, students, and community members. Mohler highlighted the current challenges facing higher education and the necessity to demonstrate the university’s impact in areas such as job creation and student success.
As he prepares to take on his new role, Dr. Mohler is keen to foster initiatives that place students at the center of the university experience. His aim is to uphold and advance UA’s mission, ensuring that it continues to thrive as an influential educational institution.
In conclusion, the University of Alabama is poised to enter a new chapter under the leadership of Dr. Peter J. Mohler. His academic background, leadership experience, and visionary outlook are anticipated to guide the university toward enhanced growth and recognition in the realm of higher education.
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