Henry Bienen Returns as Interim President of Northwestern University
Former Northwestern University President Henry Bienen has been appointed to serve as the interim president following the resignation of Michael Schill. The university announced that Bienen will assume this role on September 16, 2023. This decision comes just days after Schill’s departure, marking a swift transition in leadership at the institution.
Bienen previously held the presidency from January 1995 to August 2009 and has a significant history with Northwestern, where he was also a professor of management and strategy at the Kellogg School of Management. The university’s music school, the Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music, is named after Bienen and his wife, Leigh, a senior lecturer emerita at the law school.
In a statement, Peter Barris, chair of Northwestern’s Board of Trustees, emphasized Bienen’s extensive experience, saying, “We believe Henry is uniquely suited to follow President Michael Schill’s tenure and continue to support the university.” Bienen’s deep knowledge of Northwestern’s operations and his longstanding commitment to the university community were highlighted as vital assets during this transition.
Bienen’s professional background is rich and varied. Before his tenure at Northwestern, he served as dean of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University and worked as a consultant for high-profile organizations, including the U.S. Department of State and the World Bank. His civic contributions include his appointment to the Chicago Board of Education in May 2011 by former Mayor Rahm Emanuel and his leadership role at the Poetry Foundation from 2015 to 2020.
Bienen’s return to the presidency comes at a challenging time for Northwestern. Schill’s three-year term was marked by significant controversies, including political pushback from Republican officials and extensive student protests. In May 2024, Schill faced Congress after negotiating a settlement with pro-Palestinian protesters, a deal that garnered criticism from some lawmakers who accused him of capitulating to “antisemitic activists.”
In his resignation email, Schill acknowledged the continuing challenges facing the university, particularly regarding federal support. He stated, “It is critical that we continue to protect the university’s research mission and excellence while preserving academic freedom, integrity and independence.”
Reflecting on his upcoming role, Bienen expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Northwestern again. “I am honored to be asked to serve Northwestern again, and I look forward to helping the university I love so dearly navigate what is a critical and difficult time for research universities,” he said. He highlighted the resilience of the institution, stating, “Our institution is resilient and embodies the very best of higher education and its endless promise to transform lives.”
Bienen’s leadership will be pivotal as Northwestern seeks to stabilize its operations and address the pressing issues that have arisen during a tumultuous period. His familiarity with the university’s culture and mission positions him to guide Northwestern through its current challenges while reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence.
