University of Toledo Board of Trustees Selects Dr. James Holloway as 19th President
May 22, 2025
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.
A native Midwesterner with a national reputation for collaborative, data-driven leadership, Holloway brings decades of experience at both public universities and on nonprofit boards. 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 associate dean of undergraduate education for the College of Engineering. 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."
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.
Learn more about Dr. James Holloway
About the Presidential Search
Matt Schroeder was named UToledo's interim president, effective May 20, 2024. A UToledo alumnus, Schroeder previously served as executive vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer. He succeeded Dr. Gregory Postel, who became UToledo's 18th president on March 2, 2021, having served as interim president since July 6, 2020, after Postel accepted a position at the University of Cincinnati.
The UToledo Board of Trustees announced Oct. 11, 2024, a national search for the University’s 19th president.
Education Executives, which specializes in the identification and recruitment of senior leaders for comprehensive research universities and academic medical centers, assisted the Board of Trustees in its search. UToledo Board of Trustees Chair Patrick J. Kenney and UToledo Trustee Stephen P. Ciucci served as co-chairs of the presidential search.
A Presidential Profile Committee responsible for drafting the position profile for the University’s 19th president was announced on Oct. 24, 2024. A Presidential Search Committee was announced on Dec. 4, 2024. The President Leadership Profile was released Dec. 16, 2024. Trustees interviewed candidates in early 2025. Dr. James Holloway was named UToledo's 19th president on May 22, 2025.
About UToledo
A public research university with an academic medical center, The University of Toledo has been improving the lives of our students, patients, employees and neighbors in the greater northwest Ohio community since 1872.