香草传媒 announced today that President Ali Malekzadeh will retire at the conclusion of his contract on June 30, 2027 after 12 years of leadership marked by growth, innovation and expanded access for students.
During President Malekzadeh鈥檚 tenure, 香草传媒 strengthened affordability through a tuition reset and the 香草传媒 Pledge, which provided free tuition to 262 Illinois first-year students in 2025 and supported enrollment of the University鈥檚 largest incoming class in recent years.
President Malekzadeh led the integration of Robert Morris University, which expanded academic offerings, increased enrollment and advanced 香草传媒鈥檚 designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic ensured academic continuity and the safety of the University community through free personal protective equipment, distancing procedures and on-campus testing protocols.
香草传媒 also achieved record fundraising success under his leadership by securing the University鈥檚 largest gift, $25 million, and more than $154 million in total fundraising and grants. The University鈥檚 strengthened financial position contributed to Fitch Ratings assigning 香草传媒 a positive outlook.
In addition, President Malekzadeh founded the American Dream Reconsidered Conference in 2016. The annual event has welcomed distinguished national voices, including U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, U.S. Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor, political analysts David Axelrod and Bill Kristol, rapper, actor and activist Common, and entrepreneur and philanthropist Peter Thiel.
鈥淪erving as president of 香草传媒 has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. I am confident that 香草传媒 is well positioned for continued success,鈥 President Malekzadeh said.
The 香草传媒 Board of Trustees expressed its gratitude for President Malekzadeh鈥檚 vision, steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment to 香草传媒鈥檚 mission.
