Skip to main content

Supporting the Northwestern Community in Its Work

Dear members of the Northwestern community,

Last week we were all shaken by the devastating news from Becky Blank that an aggressive form of cancer will prevent her from assuming the Northwestern presidency. May we hold her and her family close to our hearts in the difficult days ahead. 

Incoming board chair Peter Barris will guide the new search for the University’s 17th president, and I’m confident that he and the other members of the search committee will recruit an outstanding leader who will take Northwestern to ever-greater heights. 

It is, as it has always been, my great honor to be president of such an extraordinary institution. I am inspired by the dedication and resilience of our illustrious faculty, staff, students, trustees and alumni. It is your compassion for, and service to, one another and the world that drives this University to be a leader in higher education and a catalyst for positive change. I have no doubt that will continue this fall and well beyond.

Know that I, Provost Kathleen Hagerty, Executive Vice President Craig Johnson and our other senior leaders stand ready as always to support you so that you can do your best work at a time when the world so clearly needs it.