NJIT Names Alumnus Pelesko as Interim President, Effective August 4, 2026

Following the June 9 announcement of NJIT President Teik C. Lim’s intent to retire from the university on August 3, 2026, the university’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to appoint Dr. John A. Pelesko, NJIT’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, to serve as interim president, effective August 4, 2026. The vote was taken during the public session of the June 11, 2026 meeting of NJIT’s Board of Trustees.

NJIT Trustee Chair Robert C. Cohen said, “Dr. Pelesko brings significant experience, vast institutional knowledge, and a strong commitment to NJIT’s mission and values to the interim presidency. He is an accomplished scholar and leader in whom the Board and the university community have great confidence. Throughout his time at NJIT, John has demonstrated thoughtful and steady leadership, sound judgment, and dedication that will help ensure continuity and stability during this transition period.”

Pelesko was named NJIT's provost and executive vice president for academic affairs in 2023 and has since led the university's academic enterprise, including NJIT’s colleges and schools, its research activity, enrollment management, graduate and undergraduate studies, global initiatives, and career development services. An NJIT alumnus and a New Jersey native, Pelesko earned his Ph.D. in mathematical sciences from the university and has held numerous faculty and leadership roles at universities throughout his distinguished career, including professor, department chair, associate dean, and dean. As provost, he has strengthened NJIT’s research activity and helped shape the university's strategic plan. He also has led the AI@NJIT initiative, the university's effort to prepare its students and academic programs for an AI-driven economy.