Dr. Peter J. Mohler became the 30th president of The University of Alabama on July 21, 2025.

With a distinguished record of advancing research, innovation and collaboration, he leads the Capstone with a clear focus on student success, academic excellence and UA’s role at the forefront of higher education.

Before joining UA, Dr. Mohler spent nearly 15 years at The Ohio State University, where he most recently served as executive vice president for research, innovation and knowledge and as chief scientific officer of the Wexner Medical Center. His leadership was marked by significant growth in research, interdisciplinary collaboration and economic impact. In 2023, he served as acting president of Ohio State, leading one of the nation’s largest public universities with more than 60,000 students across 15 colleges and providing steady, trusted leadership during a pivotal period for the University.

Dr. Mohler earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from Wake Forest University in 1995, followed by a doctorate in cell and molecular physiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2000. He completed a Howard Hughes Medical Institute postdoctoral fellowship at Duke University.

Widely recognized for his contributions to science and innovation, Dr. Mohler has been named a Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences, an Outstanding Investigator by the American Heart Association and an Outstanding Investigator by the National Institutes of Health. His work advances translational research and fosters partnerships that connect discovery with real-world outcomes.

A proud product of undergraduate education in the South, Dr. Mohler was drawn to The University of Alabama by its powerful combination of academic excellence, student opportunity, athletic tradition and a culture rooted in pride and purpose.

Known for his authenticity and approachability, Dr. Mohler leads with integrity, humility and a strong commitment to shared governance. He values open dialogue, thoughtful debate and collaborative leadership that brings the University community together around ambitious goals.

Under his leadership, The University of Alabama is advancing a bold, forward-looking agenda focused on student opportunity, research excellence and the University’s growing impact beyond the campus. His focus includes expanding experiential learning, deepening research and industry partnerships and advancing leadership development through initiatives such as the School of Leadership and Policy, which will begin enrolling students in Fall 2027.

Dr. Mohler believes that one of UA’s greatest responsibilities is preparing students not only to succeed, but to lead. Working in close partnership with faculty and academic leaders, he is focused on creating pathways that connect classroom learning to meaningful careers, civic engagement and long-term impact. He believes higher education matters because it shapes people who shape the world, with a focus on preparing students at The University of Alabama to lead with knowledge, integrity and purpose in the opportunities that lie ahead.

Grounded in family and community, Dr. Mohler and his wife, Nancy, are proud to be part of the UA family. They have three children: Eleanor, Caroline and John.