 When the president of Georgetown College, Robert Molyenux, was forced to resign the presidency due to declining health in December 1808, Neale was made the acting president, until a permanent successor could be found in his nephew, William Matthews, in March 1809.Following Matthews' resignation, Neale succeeded him as president on November 1, 1809.His administration of the college was poor, as he instituted the same severe monastic discipline that his brother, Leonard, had previously implemented at the college during his presidency.