New President Named To Head Drew University In Madison

MADISON, NJ — The Drew University Board of Trustees and Presidential Search Committee has chosen the college's next president.

Drew University named Hillary L. Link as its 15th president on Wednesday. Link is a college executive with previous experience at New York University, Columbia, and Temple.

The board of trustees unanimously approved Link, who was most recently president of Alleghany College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, according to a news release from the school.

She will be taking over for Thomas J. Schwarz, who led the university through the COVID-19 pandemic, as his three-year term expires on June 30.

“I am excited to step into the leadership of Drew University...The past several years have been particularly challenging for small liberal arts colleges, and I look forward to working with Drew’s faculty and staff," Link said.

Link served as Allegheny College's president from 2019 to 2022, successfully navigating the COVID-19 pandemic while addressing demographic, enrollment, and financial challenges that institutions of higher education face across the country.

She previously served as dean of Temple University's Rome program and as vice provost of Barnard College at Columbia University. Drew began her career as the director of scholar programs at NYU, according to the announcement.

Link received her bachelor's degree from Stanford University and her master's and doctorate degrees in Italian language and literature from Yale University.

"Hilary’s experience and track record make her a natural fit for Drew, from her innovative leadership, commitment to the academic community, experience in the New York and international higher education spheres—in line with Drew’s popular New York Semesters and top-10 international enrollment numbers—and more," said William W. Landis III C’85, chair of the Board of Trustees.

Link will officially take over the presidency on July 1, 2023.

Drew University has more than 2,200 students enrolled and 136 full-time faculty members. The university offers BA and BS degrees in 40 disciplines, 59 minors, 18 pre-professional programs, and 19 dual-degree options. The Theological and Caspersen schools grant master's and doctoral degrees, respectively.