Caltech has appointed Ray Jayawardhana as the new president, effective July 1, 2024. Jayawardhana, who is currently the provost at Johns Hopkins University, brings significant academic and administrative experience to the role. This appointment follows the decision of the former president, Thomas F. Rosenbaum, to step down after 12 years of leadership.
Background on Ray Jayawardhana
Ray Jayawardhana is an esteemed astrophysicist known for his research on planetary systems. He previously held a leadership position at Cornell University as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 2018. Before that, he was a professor at York University in Toronto.
Jayawardhana earned his PhD in astronomy from Harvard University, and he completed his undergraduate studies at Yale University. His academic journey includes roles at prestigious institutions such as the University of Toronto, University of Michigan, and UC Berkeley.
Challenges Ahead for Caltech
Under Jayawardhana’s leadership, Caltech faces significant challenges, particularly related to federal funding reductions impacting scientific research. The university, located on a 124-acre campus in Pasadena, has been affected by recent federal policies that could result in substantial financial losses. In June, Caltech joined 14 other universities in a lawsuit against the Trump administration, contesting the reduction of funding grants from agencies like the National Science Foundation.
Vision for the Future
In his vision for Caltech, Jayawardhana emphasized the need to stay committed to the institution’s core mission of advancing fundamental research and education. He aims to empower “brilliant minds to explore important questions” and cultivate an environment that encourages innovation and exploration.
Legacy of Thomas F. Rosenbaum
Thomas F. Rosenbaum, who led Caltech for over a decade, leaves behind a robust legacy. During his tenure, the university’s endowment doubled to more than $4.1 billion, and he oversaw a successful capital campaign that raised $3.4 billion from 14,500 donors. This campaign significantly increased the endowment, ensuring financial stability for the institution.
Rosenbaum also guided Caltech through various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and initiated diversity recruitment efforts that resulted in a historic milestone in 2024: over half of the new undergraduate class were women for the first time.
Acknowledging Scientific Achievements
Under Rosenbaum’s leadership, Caltech and MIT scientists achieved a historic breakthrough in 2015 by detecting gravitational waves, an accomplishment that earned them the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2017. This pioneering research showcased Caltech’s commitment to cutting-edge scientific exploration.
Caltech’s Future with Jayawardhana
As Caltech prepares for a new chapter under Jayawardhana’s presidency, the university community looks forward to his leadership in navigating the complex landscape of higher education. With a strong emphasis on scientific research and innovation, Jayawardhana aims to enhance Caltech’s global impact and inspire future generations of scientists.
