Michael A. Bernstein appointed as the 17th president of TCNJ

Michael A. Bernstein has been officially named the 17th president of The College of New Jersey after a unanimous vote by the school’s Board of Trustees. Bernstein, who has been serving as the interim president since July 1, 2023, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role.

In a statement, Rebecca Ostrov, chair of the TCNJ Board of Trustees, praised Bernstein as an “extremely accomplished educator and a transformational leader.” She highlighted his ability to mobilize the community and innovate to extend TCNJ’s education to new audiences.

Bernstein expressed his gratitude for the appointment, thanking the Board of Trustees and the college community for their confidence in him. He emphasized his excitement to work with the community to write the next chapter in TCNJ’s history.

With a background in history and economics, Bernstein has held various roles in higher education administration, including as a professor, department chair, dean, provost, and interim president. He has successfully navigated institutions through challenging times, such as Hurricane Katrina at Tulane University and the COVID-19 pandemic at Stony Brook University.

Former TCNJ Presidents Kathryn A. Foster and R. Barbara Gitenstein, as well as academic leaders like Tulane President Emeritus Scott Cowen and Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber, have all praised Bernstein’s appointment, citing his leadership skills and dedication to student success.

Bernstein’s academic background from Yale University and his research interests in economic and political history further solidify his qualifications for the role. As he takes on the presidency at TCNJ, Bernstein is poised to lead the institution towards continued excellence, inclusion, and innovation.