About President Hilary L. Link, PhD
Hilary L. Link, PhD is Drew University’s 15th president. An innovative and distinguished leader, she began her term on July 1, 2023.
Since arriving at Drew, President Link has spearheaded a number of initiatives to drive the institution forward.
Several months into President Link’s tenure, she announced plans to develop a new, exciting Strategic Vision and Direction for the University. This process involved the input of the wider Drew community, particularly a Strategic Planning Working Group made up of Drew faculty and staff. Learn more about the project here.
A return to financial health has been a top institutional priority. In a strategic partnership, President Link brought in a highly-respected small college CFO to oversee financial operations and collaborate on a plan to ensure financial sustainability for Drew. President Link has also forged relationships with federal, state, and local governments to help move toward the sale of peripheral campus lands and the conservation of the Drew Forest and Zuck Arboretum to help solidify the institution’s endowment.
Drew has added a number of new programs under President Link, all geared toward responding to student interest and job market trends. The College of Liberal Arts has added minors in accounting, finance, marketing, and creative art and technology. The University has also added a Dual-Degree in Accounting with Seton Hall’s Stillman School of Business, Drew’s 19th such program aimed at fast-tracking earning advanced degrees. An innovative partnership with Bloomboard was announced in May 2024, providing on-the-job bachelor’s degrees in elementary education for paraprofessionals helping to address the teacher shortage in New Jersey. Pathways for students to earn their bachelor’s degree in three years were also developed with a seamless transition to the graduate schools at Drew.
Drew’s reputation has continued to grow under President Link. The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly have placed Drew among the top liberal arts schools in the country, ranking the University higher and higher on their annual lists.
Link came to Drew after serving as president of Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, from 2019 to 2022. She successfully guided the school through the COVID-19 pandemic while managing demographic, enrollment, and financial challenges facing institutions of higher education across the country.
Prior to Allegheny College, Link was dean of Temple University Rome and previously served as vice provost at Barnard College of Columbia University. She began her career in higher education as director of scholar programs at New York University. Link earned her bachelor’s degree at Stanford University and both her master’s degree and doctorate in Italian language and literature at Yale University.
Drew University is excited to announce the Presidential Innovation Speaker Series featuring groundbreaking thought leaders, including Drew alumni and trustees, who are at the forefront of innovation and disruption in their industries. President Hilary L. Link, PhD, will host insightful conversations with fellow transformative leaders.
PRESIDENT LINK THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Our Leadership
Cabinet
Hilary L. Link, PhD
President
Mead Hall
[email protected]
973-408-3100
Jessica Lakin
Provost
Mead Hall
[email protected]
973-408-3263
Julee Gard
Chief Financial Officer
[email protected]
Ellen Johnson
Vice President for Enrollment Management & Strategic Communications
Mead Hall 204
[email protected]
973-408-3203
Frank Merckx
Vice President for Campus Life
Ehinger Center, Suite #147
[email protected]
973-408-3391
Bret Silver
Vice President for University Advancement
Mead Hall
[email protected]
973-408-3227
Greg Smith
Vice President of Facilities and Real Estate
36 Madison Avenue
[email protected]
973-408-3580
Past Presidents
Thomas J. Schwarz (2020-2023)
MaryAnn Baenninger (2014-2020)
Vivian A. Bull (2012-2014) Interim
Robert Weisbuch (2005-2012)
Thomas H. Kean (1990-2005)
Paul Hardin III (1975-1988)
Robert Fisher Oxnam (1961-1974)
Fred Garrigus Holloway (1948-1960)
Arlo Ayres Brown (1929-1948)
Ezra Squier Tipple (1912-1929)
Henry Anson Buttz (1880-1912)
John Fletcher Hurst (1873-1880)
Randolph Sinks Foster (1870-1873)
John McClintock (1867-1870)
Presidential and Institutional Statements
Drew University Presidential and Institutional Statement Protocol
The president and “the University” are frequently asked to speak or issue statements on a variety of topics ranging from institutional and local events to international conflicts and elections. We recognize that Drew University is a diverse community of individuals from all backgrounds and whose viewpoints and opinions on a variety of issues may differ greatly.
Drew University, and its president, do not provide statements about every issue that may affect the region, state, nation, world, or even at times, the campus. Statements are reserved for matters that have a direct and significant impact on the campus and/or the greater Drew community. The need and timing of any statements or messages is determined by the president in consultation with the Vice President for Communications and Strategic Initiatives or appropriate cabinet member, as needed based on topic. Some statements will be shared only with our on-campus community while others, if appropriate, will be shared with families, alumni or other constituencies.
Any official statement, regardless of the signatories, is perceived as speaking on behalf of the University. This includes the President, cabinet, academic leadership, and other Drew representatives making statements, writing letters to the editor, or posting on social media that mention or include their affiliation with Drew University, unless it is explicitly stated that “the views and opinions expressed by the author do not represent the official policy or position of Drew University”. Academic and administrative units should share statements already released and approved by the University, and should not create their own.
In addition, the president must approve any requests for the university to be a co-signatory on any statements, commitments, amicus briefs, or other declarations from consortiums or associations Drew is a member of. These types of documents are considered official statements of Drew University.
Any member of the Drew community who receives media inquiries, including requests for interviews, statements, or campus access should direct those requests to the Communications Department at [email protected]. Any media presence on campus requires prior approval from the Vice President for Communications and Strategic Initiatives.
Examples of situations that may merit a presidential or University statement:
- Emergency or crisis situation affecting the Drew community, including follow-up messages after an event. Time sensitive notifications would be deployed via LiveSafe.
- Campus updates on strategic priorities, institutional leadership, and other initiatives that impact the Drew community.
- Significant local, regional, national, or world events that have a direct impact on Drew’s physical campus and/or teaching, living, and learning that make up the university’s mission.
- Notifications about a tragedy or death of a member of our community, including current students, faculty, staff, and trustees. Death notices may also be sent for significantly notable alumni, former employees, or past trustees.
- Media interviews conducted by the president, university spokesperson (Vice President for Communications and Strategic Initiatives), or other university official designated by the president based on respective areas of expertise or oversight. The Communications Department should be informed immediately of all media inquiries including requests for interviews, statements, or campus access.
Channels of Presidential and Official Institutional Communications
- Broadcast emails (institution-wide or to specific internal or external audiences)
- News and Office of the President sections of the university website
- Official Drew University social media accounts
- Emergency alert system (LiveSafe)
- News releases, media statements, and interviews
- Speaking engagements at meetings sponsored by the University or external organizations
We strive to respond to all communication from our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other members of the Drew community. Often this may be a general acknowledgement (not an item-by item or point-by-point commenting) of receipt of the communication. As such, an acknowledgement is an official response from the university and is not a commitment to immediate or long-term action.
When issues are raised by community members we aim to find solutions that best serve the interests of all students, faculty, and staff and that are guided by our mission. We appreciate and respect the varied perspectives shared by members of our community.