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A Rhodes Scholar who clerked for the U.S. Supreme Court, Eduardo Peñalver ’94 currently leads Seattle University

By Cornellians staff

A Big Red alum who formerly served as dean of Cornell Law School has been named the next president of Georgetown University. Eduardo Peñalver ’94 comes to the position from another Jesuit institution: Seattle University, where he has served as president since departing the Law School in 2021.

Eduardo Peñalver ’94 speaking with students — Jason Koski / Cornell University

“President Peñalver is an exceptional leader steeped in the Catholic and Jesuit tradition who brings a wealth of experience in higher education, a global mindset, a commitment to social justice and academic excellence, and a bold vision for Georgetown’s future,” Thomas Reynolds, chair of Georgetown’s board of directors, said in an announcement.

President Peñalver is an exceptional leader steeped in the Catholic and Jesuit tradition who brings a wealth of experience in higher education, a global mindset, a commitment to social justice and academic excellence, and a bold vision for Georgetown’s future.
Thomas Reynolds, chair of Georgetown’s board of directors

A College Scholar in Arts & Sciences as an undergrad, Peñalver went on to study philosophy and theology at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, earn a JD from Yale, and clerk for then-U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.

He joined Cornell’s law faculty in 2006; when he became dean in 2014 (after a stint at the University of Chicago), he was the first Latino to lead an Ivy League law school.

Eduardo Peñalver ’94 in regalia at Commencement — Cornell University

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Among his accomplishments as dean were increasing fundraising, doubling spending on financial aid, launching two new degree programs, and establishing new clinics including those devoted to farmworker assistance and to First Amendment protections.

Among his accomplishments as dean were increasing fundraising, doubling spending on financial aid, launching two new degree programs, and establishing new clinics.

At Seattle University, he was both the first layperson and the first person of color to serve as president in the institution’s 130-year history.

Peñalver takes office as Georgetown’s 49th president on July 1, 2026.

Eduardo Peñalver ’94 on the state during a panel discussion — Jason Koski / Cornell University

“I’m honored to serve in this role and very aware of the deep tradition and legacy Georgetown has rooted in its Jesuit values,” Peñalver told the Washington Post in an interview published in mid-October.

“What I want people to know about me: I have always been and will be committed to operating with transparency, openness, and engagement with everyone.”

(Top: Portrait by Joshua Rodriguez for Georgetown University)

Published October 16, 2025