Georgetown Elects Berkley as Board Chair
Georgetown’s board of directors has named W. Robert Berkley, Jr. (B’95), a CEO and alumnus of the Georgetown McDonough School of Business, as the board’s new chair during its summer meeting.
Berkley most recently served as a vice chair on the board and is the chairman, president and CEO of W. R. Berkley Corporation, one of the largest property and casualty insurance providers in the U.S.
On July 1, Berkley succeeded Thomas A. Reynolds III (B’74), who has served as chair since 2021.
“Tom has done an extraordinary job leading the board,” said former Interim President Robert M. Groves. “He has been steadfast in his support and has provided invaluable guidance and leadership during a period of transition. I thank him for his many years of service to our university. We look forward to Rob’s leadership as our new board chair — he has a deep understanding of Georgetown and the challenges and opportunities we face, essential qualities in a board leader.”
Georgetown’s board of directors also approved two new degree programs, received updates on capital projects in DC and abroad, and amended its bylaws.
In addition, the board approved a new budget for fiscal year 2027. The balanced budget includes $292 million for financial aid, the largest commitment to financial aid in the university’s history.
The board also approved a new Master’s of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology within Biomedical Graduate Education at the School of Medicine. The program will launch in fall 2027 with applications opening this summer.
Distinguished University Professor Lucile Adams-Campbell, the first African American woman to earn a doctorate in epidemiology in the U.S., will serve as the program director. The 45-credit curriculum focuses on health disparities and offers students a practitioner-focused pathway that includes a required public health practicum and capstone project.
“Some of the most entrenched public health challenges of our time require us to better understand the factors behind why health outcomes differ across populations and where evidence-based interventions can improve health and well-being,” Adams-Campbell said.
“Georgetown’s new MPH in Epidemiology will prepare students to use data, science and community engagement to identify factors that influence health and develop solutions that strengthen communities. By combining rigorous epidemiologic training with practical field experience, we are preparing graduates who can turn evidence into action.”
The board also approved the creation of a Master of Professional Studies in Strategic Leadership and Artificial Intelligence in the School of Continuing Studies. The new graduate program is aimed at emerging leaders and experienced professionals and will train students to lead strategically in complex, AI-driven organizations.
