Brown University's president announced on Monday, Aug. 2, that she would step down at the end of the 2026-2027 academic year. President Christina H. Paxson's tenure was marked by challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, a campus pro-Palestinian encampment, and disruptions to federal funding. She also led the Brown community through the tragic death of two students during an on-campus shooting in 2025. She explained that she previously extended her tenure to help the university deal with its funding battles with the federal government. Paxson also faced criticism inside and outside the Brown community following the tragic shooting on campus in December 2025, when a former Brown student killed two and injured nine others.