Roosevelt University
03/09/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/10/2026 08:37
Roosevelt University President Ali Malekzadeh Announces Plans to Retire in 2027 After 12 Years of Transformative Leadership
Roosevelt University announced today that President Ali Malekzadeh will retire at the conclusion of his contract on June 30, 2027 after 12 years of leadership marked by growth, innovation and expanded access for students.
During President Malekzadeh's tenure, Roosevelt strengthened affordability through a tuition reset and the Roosevelt Pledge, which provided free tuition to 262 Illinois first-year students in 2025 and supported enrollment of the University's largest incoming class in recent years.
President Malekzadeh led the integration of Robert Morris University, which expanded academic offerings, increased enrollment and advanced Roosevelt's designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic ensured academic continuity and the safety of the University community through free personal protective equipment, distancing procedures and on-campus testing protocols.
Roosevelt also achieved record fundraising success under his leadership by securing the University's largest gift, $25 million, and more than $154 million in total fundraising and grants. The University's strengthened financial position contributed to Fitch Ratings assigning Roosevelt a positive outlook.
In addition, President Malekzadeh founded the American Dream Reconsidered Conference in 2016. The annual event has welcomed distinguished national voices, including U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, U.S. Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor, political analysts David Axelrod and Bill Kristol, rapper, actor and activist Common, and entrepreneur and philanthropist Peter Thiel.
"Serving as president of Roosevelt University has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. I am confident that Roosevelt is well positioned for continued success," President Malekzadeh said.
The Roosevelt University Board of Trustees expressed its gratitude for President Malekzadeh's vision, steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment to Roosevelt's mission.
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The first-generation student has earned both a bachelor's and master's in Human Resource Management and become one of Roosevelt's most prominent campus leaders.
As an anthropologist, sociologist and educator, his work at Roosevelt and beyond reshaped academic inquiry into race, class and urban life.
The alumna (BA Mathematics, '63) fondly recalls supportive faculty, easy access to downtown Chicago and classes with pioneering faculty member St. Clair Drake.
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