The University of Toledo Board of Trustees has named Dr. James Holloway as the University’s 19th president following an extensive national search. The announcement was made during a special board meeting held on campus Thursday morning.
Dr. Holloway, currently serving as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of New Mexico, will assume the role on July 15, succeeding Interim President Matt Schroeder.
Dr. James Holloway shakes hands with Patrick Kenney, chair of the UToledo Board of Trustees, following Thursday morning’s announcement during a special board meeting that Holloway is the University’s 19th president.
A native Midwesterner with a national reputation for collaborative, data-driven leadership, Holloway brings decades of experience at both public and private institutions. Since 2019, he has led academic and budget planning across departments at the University of New Mexico.
Prior to that, he spent two decades at the University of Michigan, where he held roles including vice provost for global engagement and interdisciplinary academic affairs and chair of the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences. Throughout his career, Holloway has championed inclusive excellence, expanded research capacity, fostered civic partnerships and invested in the kind of student-focused innovation that strengthens both campuses and communities.
“Dr. Holloway is a forward-looking and values-driven leader — and importantly, one who feels right at home in this region,” said Patrick Kenney, chair of the UToledo Board of Trustees. “His Midwestern roots, passion for research and discovery, and his enthusiasm for building meaningful partnerships — both on and off campus — make him the right leader for this moment in our institution’s path forward. He will bring not only strategic clarity, but a real sense of joy and energy to our campus.”
At the University of New Mexico, Holloway has led efforts to boost student retention, deepen faculty support and expand externally funded research.
“Dr. James Holloway has been an extraordinary leader and colleague at The University of New Mexico, and I am confident that he will bring the same vision, integrity and dedication to The University of Toledo,” said Garnett Stokes, president of the University of New Mexico. “His commitment to academic excellence, innovation and student success has left a lasting impact on the Lobo community. As he takes on this important new role, I am excited to see how his collaborative spirit and forward-thinking leadership will shape the future of UToledo. We wish James every success, and look forward to the remarkable contributions he will make to the Rocket community as its president.”
Dr. James Holloway addresses the UToledo Board of Trustees during Thursday’s special board meeting. Holloway will assume the role of UToledo president on July 15, succeeding Interim President Matt Schroeder.
Holloway was previously named a finalist in the 2024 University of Minnesota presidential search; a highly competitive process at one of the nation’s top public research universities. Although that role ultimately went to another candidate, UToledo trustees recognized they had an opportunity to bring that same nationally sought-after leadership to Northwest Ohio.
“I’m excited to return home to the Midwest and serve The University of Toledo, an institution that so clearly lives its values by bringing together research, student opportunity, and public impact,” Holloway said. “I look forward to working with the entire Rocket community to deepen relationships with the city and region, to create amazing and joyful student learning experiences, and to build a future for all based on opportunity and discovery.”
The presidential search process, launched in late 2024, was led by a Presidential Search Committee representing faculty, students, alumni and community leaders.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Interim President Matt Schroeder for his steady leadership and unwavering commitment to The University of Toledo,” Kenney said. “He guided us through a pivotal time with grace and strength, and we are grateful for his continued support during this transition.”
A welcome event and community engagements with President Holloway will be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information about the presidential search, visit utoledo.edu/presidential-search.
