News Summary
Dr. Peter J. Mohler has been named the new president of the University of Alabama, with plans to enhance the institution’s academic and athletic reputation. Mohler, who previously held leadership roles at Ohio State University, brings over 20 years of experience in higher education. His vision emphasizes collaboration and community engagement, aiming to foster a culture of civil discourse at the university. Mohler will officially take office on July 21, 2025, succeeding Stuart Bell, who served for a decade.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama – Dr. Peter J. Mohler has been appointed as the new president of the University of Alabama, set to officially take office on July 21, 2025. This announcement marks a significant leadership transition at the university, as Mohler will succeed outgoing President Stuart Bell, who has held the position for the past ten years.
Previously, Mohler served as the vice president for research at Ohio State University and briefly acted as the university’s president in 2023. He has extensive experience in higher education, with over 20 years in leadership and research roles. Currently, he also holds the title of chief scientific officer for the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
The announcement was made on June 16, 2025, during an event at the Randall Welcome Center in Tuscaloosa. Mohler expressed his commitment to enhancing the university’s status as a premier public flagship institution. He plans to prioritize collaboration and interdisciplinary initiatives and has stressed the importance of academic achievements alongside the university’s strong athletic reputation.
Mohler earned his PhD in cell and molecular biology from the University of North Carolina in 2000, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Duke University’s Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Throughout his academic career, he has published over 275 research studies, which encompass significant contributions to the field of pediatric heart arrhythmias. His research has been recognized with various awards, including honors from the Pew Scholar program, the American Heart Association, and the NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Before joining Ohio State in 2012, Mohler taught at the University of Iowa and Vanderbilt University. During his tenure at Ohio State, he significantly increased the institution’s research and development expenditures by up to $600 million annually and held multiple leadership roles within its medical center.
In his vision for the University of Alabama, Mohler aims to foster a culture of civil discourse and promote the exploration of new ideas among students and faculty. He recognizes the need to engage with the campus community to address their concerns and priorities effectively.
Born and raised in Grand Junction, Colorado, Mohler’s early passion for science was nurtured in public schools. He met his wife, Nancy, while studying biology at Wake Forest University, and the couple has three children: Eleanor, Caroline, and John. In taking on this new role, Mohler acknowledged the legacy of his predecessor, President Stuart Bell, and expressed appreciation for the solid foundation that Bell has built over his decade of service.
Chancellor Sid J. Trant and the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees have expressed confidence in Mohler’s leadership potential and vision for the institution. As the university prepares for this new chapter in its history, Mohler is dedicated to upholding its commitment to public education and community impact, setting the stage for future growth and innovation.
Mohler’s appointment is expected to bring fresh leadership perspective and continue the university’s mission of academic excellence and societal contribution.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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