ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON – Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs Jonathan Becker has been named ’s acting President as the Board of Trustees launches a search for a new permanent leader.
Becker will begin his new position on July 1, immediately following the retirement of Bard’s 14th President, Leon Botstein, who has served for more than 50 years. Botstein announced his retirement in early May, about two and a half months after it was revealed he had a previous relationship with notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Botstein was not accused of participating in Epstein’s abuse of girls and women. However, he was one of many prominent figures who maintained a friendly relationship with Epstein for years, even after Epstein had been convicted as a sex offender. The two met on several occasions as Botstein sought donations for the college from the millionaire sex offender.
Becker has held numerous leadership positions during his three decades at Bard College as a faculty member and as an administrator in student and academic affairs. His work has primarily focused on bridging life in the classroom to students lived experience.
“As I enter my 30th year at Bard, I am honored to take the position of acting president of the College,” said Jonathan Becker. “Bard is a wonderful and unique institution with immensely talented and dedicated faculty and staff, and, most importantly, thoughtful, creative and idealistic students both in Annandale-on-Hudson and across the globe. I look forward to helping bridge Bard from Leon Botstein’s extraordinary 50-year tenure to a new generation of leadership, ensuring that every member of our community feels heard and that the College, with its vibrant local, national, and global networks, continues on its successful path.”
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