Alfred Bloom is leaving Swarthmore to ensure NYU Abu Dhabi doesn’t turn into a Madrassa. NYU announced yesterday that Bloom, president of high-ranking Swarthmore College, is NYUAD’s newly appointed Vice Chancellor.

NYU’s press release said that “President Bloom will begin work on the NYU Abu Dhabi project immediately,” acting as a consultant as he finishes his time at Swarthmore. Bloom will “assume full-time leadership of NYU Abu Dhabi no later than August 2009 and will at that point take leadership of all academic and operational matters for the campus.”

Bloom’s strong background in leading a granola liberal arts college will certainly add to the reputability of the NYUAD project – something that NYU undoubtedly needs in light of fierce controversy over our school’s spending priorities and Abu Dhabi’s dubious human rights record.

NYU President John Sexton lathers him with praise:

“If one were listing the ideal liberal arts college, one would think immediately of Swarthmore, rightly regarded as one of the top colleges in the U.S. Much of Swarthmore’s recent success flows from the leadership of its president, Al Bloom. He has increased the quality of its academic programs, expanded financial aid, enhanced diversity, and undertaken spectacular building projects, among other achievements. When a leader as accomplished, wise, and discerning as Al Bloom takes on an appointment such as this, it is a powerful ratification of what NYU and its partners are doing in Abu Dhabi.

Apparently, Bloom is well-known for getting rid of Swarthmore’s football team. Clearly, the administration has chosen a perfect match.