Jonathan Holloway to Lead Luce Foundation
Rutgers president will take on new role in the fall
The Henry Luce Foundation Board of Directors today named Jonathan Holloway as the grantmaking foundation’s seventh president and chief executive officer, a position he will assume on October 1, 2025, three months after completing his tenure as Rutgers University's 21st president on June 30, 2025.
“Dr. Holloway is an eminent historian, a respected scholar of the humanities, a public intellectual and an influential leader in higher education. His thoughtful approach to collaboration and a firm commitment to the Foundation's long-term view of impact from its grantmaking position him well to lead the Foundation into the future,” said Debra Knopman and Terry Adamson, co-chairs of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Holloway said the 89-year-old Luce Foundation’s mission to deepen knowledge and understanding in pursuit of a more democratic and just world aligns with his commitment to civic engagement, civil discourse and supporting the common good throughout his five-year Rutgers presidency. Established by Time Inc. cofounder and editor Henry Luce in 1936, the independent, nonprofit foundation has issued more than $1 billion in grants and offers leadership programs in the fields of Asia, higher education, religion, theology, art and public policy.
Holloway told the university’s governing boards that he had planned to take the 12 months of his sabbatical and spend that time getting reacquainted with his scholarship before returning to Rutgers in July 2026. But when the Luce Foundation approached him about the position, he said he recognized “a special opportunity to develop new skills and content knowledge in the arts, religion, technology and culture, while continuing my commitment to support civic engagement in the public sphere.”
When he begins his position at Luce on October 1, Holloway will relinquish the remaining months of a one-year sabbatical and leave his dual position as Distinguished Professor and University Professor.
“I am honored to join the Henry Luce Foundation after I complete my tenure at Rutgers and to build upon its decades of remarkable work to foster discussion across differences, improve public discourse, and nurture ideas that will strengthen communities,” Holloway said. “At this challenging time in our nation, the Luce Foundation’s efforts are more imperative than ever. I am eager to work with the Foundation’s committed staff and Board toward a healthy democratic culture and an equitable society.”
Holloway has established Rutgers as a leader in supporting and strengthening democracy by creating a culture of public service and fostering engaged citizens. Through Rutgers Scarlet Service, which he launched three years ago, hundreds of students participate in life-shaping paid internships at nonprofits and government organizations in the state, region and Washington, D.C. During a heightened time of political polarization and declining faith in the nation’s institutions and the value of civil discourse, Holloway taught a first-year seminar on “Citizenship, Institutions, and the Public,” inviting distinguished leaders from the corporate, political, nonprofit, media and faith communities for discussions with students.
In addition, under Holloway’s leadership, the university launched the Rutgers Democracy Lab at the Rutgers Eagleton Institute of Politics in November 2024 to draw on university students, faculty and researchers to connect with community members, civic groups, practitioners and others to help tackle challenges facing American democracy and society.
“We appreciate Dr. Holloway’s service to Rutgers and wish him well as he prepares for this next chapter to further advance the common good around the world,” said Amy Towers, chair of the Rutgers Board of Governors. “Our priority now is to ensure a smooth and successful handoff as we look ahead to the university’s future. On behalf of the Board of Governors, I look forward to working with Dr. Holloway during the next three months to ensure a successful presidential transition at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.”
The Henry Luce Foundation currently pursues its mission with grant programs in American Art, Asia, Democracy, Ethics and Public Trust, Indigenous Knowledge, Luce Scholars, Religion and Theology, and Women in STEM.
