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The basics:

• NJIT president Teik Lim will retire Aug. 3
• Lim led university for four years, launched 2030 strategic plan
• NJIT expanded research, innovation, entrepreneurship initiatives under his leadership
• Board of Trustees will appoint interim president, begin a national search

New Jersey Institute of Technology President Teik Lim will retire Aug. 3. The milestone concludes a four-year tenure marked by strategic growth, rising national rankings and an expanded focus on research and innovation, according to university officials.

The NJIT Board of Trustees and Lim announced the decision June 9. Lim described his retirement s a “natural and positive inflection point” for the institution. Lim has served as the school’s ninth president since July 1, 2022.

“This is the right moment for me to step away and for NJIT to begin its next chapter, and I do so with great confidence in what we have built together,” said Lim. “I am proud to say that I have accomplished everything I set out to do and I am very optimistic about NJIT’s future.”

Proudest achievements

During his tenure, NJIT launched its 2030 strategic plan. NJIT Makes An Innovation Nexus has guided the university’s efforts to expand research, innovation and entrepreneurship while advancing student success.

This is the right moment for me to step away and for NJIT to begin its next chapter, and I do so with great confidence in what we have built together.
– Teik Lim, NJIT president

“When I joined NJIT in 2022, I was immediately inspired by its momentum, its ambitious vision for the future, and the vast opportunities for growth across the institution,” said Lim. “My core priorities during my presidency were firmly guided by our strategic plan and a steadfast commitment to advancing the success of our students, faculty, and staff.”

Lim said he is particularly proud of the university’s efforts to strengthen its academic reputation and expand its standing as a center for research and innovation.

“[A]nd entrepreneurship, as evidenced by our upward trajectory in university rankings,” said Lim. “The progress we have made is the direct result of the university community’s collective collaboration, talent, and strength.”

Looking ahead

The board of trustees praised Lim’s leadership and contributions to the university.

“On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, we extend our sincere gratitude to President Lim for his service and unwavering commitment to NJIT and its mission,” said Board Chair Robert Cohen. “We are grateful for all that he has given to this institution and to the students, faculty, and staff he has served so admirably.”

NJIT said Lim will remain in his position through Aug. 3 and assist with the leadership transition. The board plans to appoint an interim president before launching a national search for the university’s next leader. It plans to share additional details about the transition in the coming weeks.

“Serving as president of NJIT has been the honor of a lifetime,” said Lim. “I want to express my gratitude to the Board of Trustees and the entire NJIT community. I am deeply proud of what we have achieved together and am grateful to the students, faculty, staff, and alumni who make NJIT so special.”