University Board of Trustees Reappoints President Jonathan Koppell

The Montclair State University Board of Trustees has extended President Jonathan Koppell’s contract for another five years, effective July 1, 2026 — securing continued leadership for an institution that has become a national model for public-serving universities. 

Since becoming the University's ninth president in 2021, Koppell has transformed Montclair into an innovative institution that provides affordable access to an excellent education and measures its success by the wellbeing of the students and communities it serves. 

This combination of excellence, affordability and public service has propelled Montclair to record enrollment — growing from approximately 19,000 to more than 23,500 students at a time when many institutions are contracting — while producing student retention and graduation rates that exceed national benchmarks.

Under his leadership, Montclair became one of only four federally designated Hispanic Serving Institutions to hold the Carnegie Foundation’s classifications for High Research Activity, Community Engagement and  Leadership for Public Purpose. During Koppell’s first term, Montclair also reached an all-time high in research expenditures, establishing its status as a national doctoral research university.

Earlier this year a peer review team from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education praised the University for its many accomplishments, noting that Koppell's “forward-looking orientation and strategic clarity” reflect “a bold and disciplined vision for its future.”

The University’s rising national profile is further evidenced by its ascendance in widely respected rankings. The Wall Street Journal named it the No. 1 public university in New Jersey and U.S. News & World Report lists it among the top 10 nationally for social mobility. 

Within New Jersey, Montclair is increasingly recognized for its capability and innovation, demonstrated by signature accomplishments during Koppell's first term: the launch of One Square Mile Paterson, the successful merger with Bloomfield College—the first integration of a private college into a public university in state history—and the State's selection of Montclair to operate its four public television stations.

Koppell also established a new Strategic Framework—an updated mission and institutional goals that provide direction during a time of unprecedented change in higher education. 

"President Koppell has met and exceeded every expectation," said Board Chairman Kent Sluyter. "He is a visionary leader who has grown the University academically and reputationally while ensuring a strong foundation that will stand the test of time. In an era defined by accelerating turnover in higher education leadership, establishing this long-term continuity is a profound advantage. It ensures that the leadership driving our recent successes remains in place to guide our next chapter.

“President Koppell inspires our community to imagine new possibilities and bring them to life,” added Sluyter.

The Board authorized a compensation package that is in line with what comparable institutions in New Jersey provide their presidents. It provides a base salary of $725,000, a performance bonus of up to 25% of base salary tied to annual goals, and a 10% annual retention bonus. The contract runs through June 30, 2031.

“I am deeply grateful to the Board of Trustees for the opportunity to continue leading Montclair State University," said Koppell. "We are proving what is possible when an institution prioritizes student success, broadens access to excellence, and measures itself by the wellbeing of the communities it serves. Montclair has built extraordinary momentum thanks to our dedicated faculty, staff, students, and partners. I look forward to the next five years as we accelerate our work of building the modern public-serving university and expanding our impact across New Jersey and the nation."