Schill named Northwestern president after Blank’s withdrawal

Northwestern University has named Michael Schill, the president of the University of Oregon, as its next leader.

Professor Schill will take on the presidency this autumn, succeeding Morton Schapiro, and after Northwestern had originally announced Rebecca Blank, then chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as Professor Schapiro’s successor.

Dr Blank announced last month that she would be unable to take up the appointment after being diagnosed with cancer.

Northwestern said it had then re-engaged its presidential search committee, which ultimately recommended selecting Professor Schill.

Prior to joining Oregon as president in 2015, Professor Schill served as dean of the law schools at the University of Chicago and the University of California, Los Angeles, and held professorships at New York University and the University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on affordable housing, land use and racial discrimination in the housing market.

“I am thrilled, honoured and humbled to join Northwestern, one of the world’s most prominent universities,” Professor Schill said. “Northwestern has a long tradition of educating the brightest minds and pushing the boundaries of research and innovation.”

A first-generation college graduate, Professor Schill said that he “know[s] deep in my bones how a great education can transform one’s life and I want to continue Northwestern’s progress in this area”.

“The selection of president-elect Schill reflects the values and input of our community and institution and was informed by his deep commitment to research and academic rigour, his focus on student access and success, his commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and demonstrated administrative leadership,” said Peter Barris, chair of the presidential search committee and incoming chair of Northwestern’s board of trustees.

“President-elect Schill is ambitious and eager to build on Northwestern’s successes and boldly lead the institution to its future.”

chris.havergal@timeshighereducation.com