Indeed, dedication to the University seemed to be one of the most important factors behind Tilghman’s selection.
Tilghman, who has been a member of the Princeton faculty since 1986 and is the director of school’s Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, is known for being a strong supporter of student activities.
“She’s very deeply involved in all aspects of campus life, as well as in the lab and in the classroom,” said Wright. “She goes to lots of athletic events and concerts and is one of the members of the faculty who is most intensely involved in those aspects of campus life,” he said.
Movin’ On Up
One of the most radical of these changes will be the 500-student increase in the undergraduate student body advocated by a report published last year this year by Paul M. Wythes, who is a Princeton trustee and was vice chair of the search committee.
Tilghman will also preside over the construction of a new residential college and a major fundraising campaign.
Wright said that he feels Tilghman’s sound values and strong presence will allow her to be an effective leader.
“This is a place that is a pretty personal place, and so the presence of a leader is unusually important,” Wright said. “It’s not a place with a business school, law school, and medical school. We’re much closer to being a single institution, and that’s why there’s a need for one person to exemplify those qualities and stand for the place. I believe she will do that.”