做厙輦⑹ 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 Malekzadehs tenure, 做厙輦⑹ strengthened affordability through a tuition reset and the 做厙輦⑹ Pledge, which provided free tuition to 262 Illinois first-year students in 2025 and supported enrollment of the Universitys largest incoming class in recent years.
President Malekzadeh led the integration of Robert Morris University, which expanded academic offerings, increased enrollment and advanced 做厙輦⑹s 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.
做厙輦⑹ also achieved record fundraising success under his leadership by securing the Universitys largest gift, $25 million, and more than $154 million in total fundraising and grants. The Universitys strengthened financial position contributed to Fitch Ratings assigning 做厙輦⑹ 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.
Serving as president of 做厙輦⑹ has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. I am confident that 做厙輦⑹ is well positioned for continued success, President Malekzadeh said.
The 做厙輦⑹ Board of Trustees expressed its gratitude for President Malekzadehs vision, steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment to 做厙輦⑹s mission.
