The New School on Monday tapped Joel Towers, a 20-year veteran of the university and the former head of its Parsons School of Design, as its next president during a turbulent time for the progressive institution that has been roiled by pro-Palestinian protests.
Towers, who was appointed as executive dean of Parsons in 2009 and served in that role for more than a decade, instituted major curriculum reforms and grew the ranks of full-time faculty. A professor of architecture and sustainable design, he led the college through its divestment of fossil fuel stocks, according to news reports from 2015.
After college officials summoned the NYPD to shut down students’ pro-Palestinian encampment, leading to dozens of arrests, faculty earlier this month launched what was believed to be the first staff-led tent site supporting Gaza and student protesters.
“As I look to The New School’s future, I’m fully dedicated to the work ahead,” Towers said in a statement. “We will continue to strengthen our commitment to academic excellence and freedom, and foster openness and mutual respect.”
The New School launched a search for president of the 10,000-student university in October, including a presidential search committee of students, faculty, administrators and trustees who presented nominations to the Board of Trustees.
Former Mayor Bill de Blasio previously appointed Towers to the New York City Panel on Climate Change, an advisory body tackling rising temperatures and increased flooding. He received degrees from the University of Michigan and Columbia University in architecture.
Towers will start as president Aug. 1, succeeding interim leader Donna Shalala, who led the university for one school year.
