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| Staff Newsletter | January 2026 |
Dear colleagues,
The first month of the new year arrived with big news for the Office of the Provost: the naming of Erik Luijten as Northwestern's next provost. Erik is an exceptional scholar, a strategic academic leader and a dedicated member of our community who has demonstrated his commitment to advancing Northwestern's excellence with 17 years of service at the University.
I was thrilled by the news of Erik's appointment, and I am confident that he will serve as a thoughtful and forward-thinking champion of our amazing faculty, staff and students. I will continue to work closely with Erik to ensure a smooth transition when the time comes for him to take the helm as provost at the end of the academic year.
The next several months will be busy, and, indeed, even more change lies ahead as the search for the next University president intensifies. Community input is important for this critical decision, so I hope you will take part in the process. If you are unable to attend the staff listening session, there are other ways to engage:
This is a significant moment for Northwestern, and I look forward to working with all of you as we plan for and enter this new chapter for our world-class University.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Hagerty |
All about the staff |
Meet Katwanya West Katwanya West has been Associate Director of Operations in Student Finance since 2023. She oversees Customer Service operations across Customer Accounts, Account Operations, and Loan Servicing and Loan Origination.
When did you join Northwestern, and how long have you been in your current role?
I joined Northwestern in 2001, beginning my career at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center. Working in a research-focused environment allowed me to develop a broad set of valuable skills and knowledge that later proved highly transferable. When an opportunity arose within Student Finance, I transitioned into a new area of the University.
How did you come to work in higher education?
After beginning my career in a corporate environment, I transitioned to higher education in search of a more people-centered mission. At Northwestern, I discovered a strong passion for supporting students and enhancing the financial systems that serve them. This work proved more meaningful than my previous experience and motivated me to build a long-term career in higher education, leading to my current role.
Where are you from and how did your upbringing shape your career path?
I’m an Army brat, so I grew up moving frequently and being surrounded by people from many cultures and backgrounds. That experience shaped my adaptability and perspective, and it’s one of the reasons I thrive in higher education. It’s a constantly evolving environment that values diversity, change and community.
Staff who joined or started new roles in Office of the Provost units in December
Financial Aid
Litowitz Center for Enlightened Disagreement
Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps
Student Finance
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News, notes and need to know |
Performance Excellence (PEx) Northwestern’s Performance Excellence (PEx) program is a year-round process led collaboratively by staff and supervisors. Its goal is to support individual growth, strengthen team performance, and enhance the effectiveness of departments and the University. Below is the timeline for the Office of the Provost 2025-26 PEx cycle.
2025-26 Timeline:
Update from HR The Workforce timesheet submission deadline for exempt staff changed with the January 2026 pay period. Moving forward, exempt staff will need to submit their monthly timesheets by 5 p.m. on the last business day of each month. For the January pay period, exempt staff must submit their timesheets by 5 p.m. on Jan. 30.
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