Mercer Times

Michael A. Bernstein has been named the 17th president of The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) after a vote by the school's Board of Trustees. Bernstein, who has served as TCNJ's interim president since July 1, 2023, assumes the role immediately.

"Dr. Bernstein is an extremely accomplished educator and a transformational leader," said Rebecca Ostrov, chair of the TCNJ Board of Trustees. "Over the past year, he has mobilized our community to think creatively about how we innovate and extend an unparalleled TCNJ education to new audiences. I am thrilled that he will continue to dedicate his considerable talent to our institution."

Expressing gratitude for his appointment, Bernstein stated, "My profound thanks to the TCNJ Board of Trustees for their confidence in me, and to the greater college community for such a warm welcome into our Lions Pride. I am energized by the thoughtfulness, creativity, and commitment of our community as we work to write the next chapter in TCNJ’s extraordinary history."

Bernstein's career includes roles as a professor of history and economics at Princeton University and various administrative positions in higher education. He was provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Tulane University during its recovery from Hurricane Katrina and served as interim president at Stony Brook University during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Throughout his career — and particularly among us over the past year of challenge and change — President Michael Bernstein has demonstrated the skill and character to navigate toward opportunity while sustaining our mission, strategy, and values," said Kathryn A. Foster, TCNJ President Emerita. "Under his inspired and thoughtful leadership, TCNJ embarks on an exciting next chapter of continued excellence, inclusion, and innovation."

R. Barbara Gitenstein, another former TCNJ president known for transforming the institution in the early 2000s, also supports Bernstein's appointment.

Tulane President Emeritus Scott Cowen remarked on Bernstein's qualifications: "Michael Bernstein is an outstanding scholar and academic administrator with a very high degree of emotional intelligence... He has all the attributes of highly effective leaders in academia as well as experience... Since I was born and raised in New Jersey, I am particularly pleased he will be the next president of TCNJ."

Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber praised Bernstein's scholarly dedication: "Michael Bernstein is a star... He is an accomplished scholar and dedicated teacher who cares deeply about student-faculty interaction... I have no doubt that Michael will continue to be an inspiring leader for The College of New Jersey."

Bernstein holds several degrees from Yale University including a PhD in economics. His research interests include economic history and macroeconomic theory.