Dear Fordham,

I write to share the news that Provost Dennis Jacobs will retire in the summer of 2026, culminating a remarkable career in Catholic higher education.

Fordham has been deeply fortunate to benefit from his leadership, wisdom, and vision. Over seven years as our Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Jacobs has guided Fordham with both steadiness and imagination. He has worked tirelessly on behalf of our faculty and students, helping us navigate the challenges of the pandemic, strengthening our academic programs, launching new degrees both in-person and online, and leading an ambitious vision for the sciences that secured the largest gift in Fordham’s history. He also created a new structure for Arts and Sciences, laying the groundwork for the bold aspirations of our strategic plan.

Provost Jacobs brought to Fordham the experience of nearly four decades as a teacher, researcher, and administrator. Before joining us, he served eight years as Provost at Santa Clara University and seven years as Associate Provost and Vice President for Undergraduate Studies at the University of Notre Dame, where he had also spent 16 years as an award-winning professor of chemistry. In every role, he has embodied the Jesuit mission of educating the whole person and preparing students to serve the world.

I am especially grateful that Dr. Jacobs has given us ample notice of his retirement. He will continue to serve fully in his role this coming year, focused on bringing to life the next steps of our strategic plan. His commitment allows us to conduct a national search for Fordham’s next provost with the time and care this important task deserves, without the need for an interim appointment.

Please join me in thanking Provost Jacobs for his extraordinary service to Fordham and in wishing him a long and fulfilling retirement.

Sincerely,
President Tetlow