New Brunswick, NJ, October 17, 2025
News Summary
William Tate, the new president of Rutgers University, emphasizes the need for a winning culture in athletics to elevate the institution’s status, especially in the Big Ten Conference. He aims to implement clear goals and strategies for success, while addressing a significant athletics spending deficit. With a background in fundraising, Tate plans to build corporate partnerships and has appointed Keli Zinn as the new athletics director to align with his vision for Rutgers’ sports programs.
New Brunswick, NJ – William Tate, who became the president of Rutgers University in July, has expressed a strong commitment to fostering a winning culture in athletics at the university. Tate is an avid sports enthusiast who believes that a cultural shift towards embracing success is essential for the institution’s growth and prominence, particularly within the Big Ten Conference where Rutgers has struggled for over a decade.
Tate’s call to action is clear: he wishes for the Rutgers community to collectively embrace the philosophy of “normalize winning.” He identifies the need for the university to have explicit goals, effective strategies, and actionable tactics focused on achieving success in its athletic programs.
In his remarks, Tate expressed optimism about the capabilities of the university’s football coach, Greg Schiano, whom he referred to as among the best coaches in America, especially in the current environment influenced by NIL (name, image, and likeness) funding. He also acknowledged past shortcomings in resources and support that have hindered Rutgers athletes and is determined to turn this around.
During his previous tenure at LSU, Tate made a significant impact in fundraising, reportedly raising more than anyone in the institution’s history. He plans to implement similar fundraising initiatives at Rutgers to address a disconcerting athletics spending deficit of over $70 million. Tate believes that enhancing support for athletics does not have to undermine academic and research initiatives at the university and seeks to establish partnerships with corporate sponsors to bolster funding for athletic programs.
Moreover, Tate hired Keli Zinn as the new athletics director, finding her alignment with his vision instrumental in moving forward. This strategy signifies a distinct change from his predecessors, who were less involved in promoting and developing the sports programs. He asserts that successful athletic programs are fundamental to not only the university’s competitiveness but also to boosting the overall reputation of Rutgers.
In Tate’s view, excelling in both research and athletics is crucial for Rutgers, particularly as it aims to solidify its status within the Big Ten Conference. He sees potential for the university to gain recognition as a prestigious institution in both academic and athletic fields. Tate did not shy away from mentioning the fan experience at Rutgers, stating that it surpasses that of his prior experience at LSU, emphasizing the strong school spirit present in the community.
The president is committed to developing a consistent and successful athletic program, which he believes will, in turn, attract more fans and corporate partnerships. He is ready to face any resistance from traditionalists regarding his approach, framing his mission at Rutgers as a culmination of his career focused on merging education and athletics effectively. Tate’s determination for success is palpable, as he reinforces his dedication to achieving these goals well into his presidency.
FAQ
Who is the new president of Rutgers University?
William Tate is the new president of Rutgers University, having started in July.
What does Tate advocate for in athletics?
Tate advocates for a winning culture in athletics and believes the university needs to normalize a winning mentality.
What has been Rutgers’ struggle in recent years?
Tate acknowledges that Rutgers has struggled to find its footing in the Big Ten Conference over the past decade.
What steps is Tate planning to take to improve athletics at Rutgers?
Tate emphasizes the importance of having clear goals, strategies, and tactics to achieve athletic success and plans to build partnerships with corporate sponsors.
What is the deficit in athletics spending at Rutgers?
Rutgers has a significant athletics spending deficit of over $70 million.
What does Tate think about the current football coach?
Tate expressed confidence in the university’s football coach, Greg Schiano, labeling him as potentially the best coach in America per capita.
What is Tate’s approach compared to previous presidents?
Tate’s approach represents a significant shift from previous presidents, who were less engaged with the sports programs.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Leadership | William Tate became the president of Rutgers University in July. |
| Focus on Winning Culture | Tate advocates for normalizing a winning mentality in athletics. |
| Big Ten Performance | Rutgers has struggled significantly in the Big Ten Conference over the past decade. |
| Deficit in Spending | The athletics spending deficit at Rutgers exceeds $70 million. |
| Fundraising Expertise | Tate has a strong fundraising background from his tenure at LSU. |
| Corporate Partnerships | The president aims to build partnerships with corporate sponsors to improve funding. |
| New Athletics Director | Keli Zinn has been hired as the athletics director under Tate’s leadership. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
William Tate IV Appointed as President of Rutgers University
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LSU Partners with SSA Consultants for Presidential Search
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LSU Baseball Clinches Championship Title
Rutgers University Welcomes Keli Zinn as New Athletic Director
Keli Zinn Appointed as Rutgers University Athletic Director
Keli Zinn Appointed New Athletic Director at Rutgers University
Additional Resources
- NJ.com: Rutgers President on Free Speech
- Wikipedia: Rutgers University
- Daily Journal: Rutgers President and Winning Culture
- Google Search: Rutgers University athletics
- Fox News: Rutgers Government Resolution
- Google Scholar: William Tate Rutgers
- NJ.com: Rutgers New Era with President Tate
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Big Ten Conference
- North Jersey: William Tate IV at Rutgers
- Google News: Rutgers University deficit
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