Rutgers University’s governors and trustees voted to approve Northwestern University Provost Jonathan Holloway as its 21st president on Tuesday.

Holloway will replace Rutgers President Robert Barchi, who announced his retirement from the post in July 2019 and will remain a Rutgers faculty member. Holloway will take the reins on July 1, 2020.

Holloway received a bachelor’s degree with honors in American Studies from Stanford University and a PhD in History from Yale University. He played football at Stanford University.

Holloway paid tribute to his late parents and became emotional when mentioning his mother. Pausing to compose himself, Holloway became tearful: “I got the job, Mom,” he said.

Rutgers board of governors Chairman Mark Angelson welcomed Holloway.

“I am delighted that the Rutgers board of governors has elected Jonathan Holloway president of Rutgers University,” Angelson said. “He has a giant heart and a sense of humor. … His academic credentials are through the roof.”

Holloway has also been appointed a Rutgers University professor. A Rutgers search committee reviewed 215 people who applied to be the next Rutgers president.

Gov. Phil Murphy appeared at the meeting and pledged his full support for Holloway.

“Jonathan understands the need to put students first and to make a Rutgers education affordable,” Murphy said. “From his work at Yale and Stanford, he has the experience of growing world-class institutions. … He is committed to making Rutgers a leading partner in the innovation economy. … I look forward to working alongside Jonathan. Today is a historic day for Rutgers and New Jersey,” said Murphy.

Holloway called himself honored to lead Rutgers, which has more than 70,000 students enrolled and employs more than 23,000 people.

“Today marks the beginning of a brand new venture for my family,” Holloway said. “I pledge to do everything I can to lead Rutgers. Bob Barchi has made it easy for me. … We must never give up on the future.”

Holloway pledged to make history a focus.

“I think of universities as beloved communities,” Holloway said. “I believe that the recognition of leadership is earned. Giving respect and acting with integrity sounds nice and we are committed to them to improve. … Please know that I expect to be held to the same high standards that I hold others. When I heard this position was open, I was reluctant to apply because Rutgers held such a high position. … I look forward to lowering barriers that exist between Camden, New Brunswick and Newark.”

Holloway said he met privately with New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-3rd District, about building bridges.

Holloway said his first priority will be to establish relationships with colleagues.

The 52-year-old Holloway was asked by another reporter to reflect on being the first black American president of Rutgers. Holloway said he awakens each day as a black American and he is thankful for each day.

“We are still living in an era of firsts, which is exciting and shameful to be honest,” Holloway said.

In a statement posted to its Facebook page, Rutgers AAUP-AFT congratulated Holloway on his appointment.

“Rutgers AAUP-AFT is encouraged by the appointment of Dr. Jonathan Holloway as the next president of Rutgers University,” union president Todd Wolfson said in the post. “This is an exciting time for all of us in the Rutgers community. We look forward to partnering with him to support the core mission of Rutgers to educate and produce top-notch research. We hope that improving labor relations, addressing state funding and college affordability and tackling the global climate crisis will be areas where we can partner.”

“Dr Holloway has studied and written about many of the ideals for which the union has fought, including equity and diversity. … We are glad the University is beginning to prioritize many of the issues on which the union has long been advocating,” Wolfson added. “We welcome Dr. Holloway to Rutgers and look forward to a long and productive relationship making Rutgers the finest public university in the world.”

Holloway arrived at Northwestern provost in 2017. He is Northwestern’s chief academic officer, overseeing educational policies and academic priorities, preparation of an annual budget and faculty appointments and promotions at the Big Ten institution. Holloway was previously dean of the Yale College and Edmund S. Morgan professor of African-American studies, history, and American studies.