Northwestern University President Michael Schill announced Thursday he will resign as the institution grapples with a federal funding freeze imposed by the Trump administration.
In a statement to the campus community, Schill reflected on his three-year tenure, highlighting record levels of research funding, philanthropy, and student applications, as well as initiatives in artificial intelligence, student-athlete welfare reforms, and the creation of the Litowitz Center for Enlightened Disagreement. He said these achievements left the university on “stronger footing,” but noted the ongoing challenges with federal authorities.
Michael Schill announced today that he will step down from the presidency of Northwestern University. pic.twitter.com/8FZJxIARTX
— Northwestern (@NorthwesternU) September 4, 2025
“Now is the right time for new leadership to guide Northwestern into its next chapter,” Schill said, adding that he will serve until an interim president is appointed before returning to teach at Northwestern’s law school after a sabbatical.
University trustees have not yet named a successor. The funding freeze has cast uncertainty over Northwestern’s research programs and future projects.
🚨Breaking News | Following more than a year of scrutiny from Republicans over how @NorthwesternU handled pro-Palestinian campus protests last year as well as a months long federal funding freeze, President Michael Schill plans to step down.
— Inside Higher Ed (@insidehighered) September 4, 2025
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/11YHjdXZIU pic.twitter.com/Rf02pCmvgb
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