The University of Alabama named Peter J. Mohler as its next president during a special-called meeting on Monday. He will start the position on July 21.
Mohler is currently executive vice president for research, innovation and knowledge at Ohio State University and chief scientific officer of OSU’s Wexner Medical Center. He opened and closed his remarks at the meeting with the traditional UA greeting, “Roll Tide.”
Introducing UA’s 30th president, @PeterMohler! A distinguished leader in higher ed, Dr. Mohler serves as exec VP for @OhioStateERIK & chief scientific officer of @OSUWexMed. Welcome Dr. Mohler & his family to the Capstone! More on his impact in higher ed→ https://t.co/qrhePeH8zD pic.twitter.com/vZFSkIekHr
— The University of Alabama (@UofAlabama) June 16, 2025
“It is an honor to be named the next president of the University of Alabama, and I’m truly humbled,” Mohler continued. “This is an opportunity of a lifetime, and my family and I are thrilled to return to the South, particularly my wife, Nancy, who has really missed the sweet tea, to join this dynamic and engaging community.
He said he was drawn not only by Alabama’s reputation for academic and athletic excellence but by its shared sense of mission.
“It’s the aligned sense of pride and purpose that runs through this university, from the board and the Chancellor to each and every student that I’ve met, a commitment to student success, to public service and citizenship, to solving problems that matter, to success in athletics, to education, educating the next generation of leaders of Alabama and the world.”
Mohler will succeed Stuart Bell, who has served as president since 2015. UA is Alabama’s largest university with 41,000 students – more than half originally from outside the state.
His appointment comes at a time of national uncertainty for higher education, with federal leaders debating changes to student loans programs and financial aid. At Alabama, 68% of students receive some form of financial assistance ,according to the Alabama Commission on Higher Education.
“We are at a pivotal moment in higher education and as a public flagship, we must recommit ourselves to our unique public mission, one that I believe is in the fabric of our country,” Mohler said. “This is a place for civil discourse, a place for exploring new ideas and a place for changing lives, not only the lives of our students, but also their families in the communities we serve.
“When higher education succeeds, everyone succeeds.”
The search process began in January and was led by UA Trustee Karen Brooks and a 12-member committee. More than 500 people participated in listening sessions to help shape the profile of the next president, Brooks said. Academic Search, the executive firm retained for the hunt, helped vet candidates and presented a pool of finalists to the committee.
Mohler’s appointment drew praise across campus and beyond.
Congratulations, and welcome to the Capstone, @PeterMohler! I’m excited to see how your leadership will strengthen @UofAlabama’s tradition of excellence. Wishing you all the best in your new position—Roll Tide! https://t.co/udCWgVGheM
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) June 16, 2025
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville wrote: “Congratulations to Dr. Mohler. I looked forward to welcoming you to our great state and working together to drive the University of Alabama forward.”
UA Athletic Director Greg Byrne, in a post on X wrote: “Welcome to the @UofAlabama, Dr. Mohler! We’ve been fortunate to have such great leadership over the years and look forward to that continued success under our 30th president. #RollTide”
UA System Chancellor Sid Trant said in a statement that Mohler “is a champion for the power of public higher education to transform lives and communities,” calling him a bold, student-centered leader.
Scott Phelps, president pro tempore of the UA System Board of Trustees said Mohler will “elevate The University of Alabama to new heights. His leadership will attract world-class faculty, staff and students and will ensure they are prepared to thrive and succeed on campus and beyond.
A native of Grand Junction, Colo., Mohler holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Wake Forest University and a doctorate in cell and molecular physiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Duke University and later held faculty roles at Vanderbilt University and the University of Iowa.
He and Nancy have three children, Eleanor, Caroline and John.