Henry Bienen Returns as Interim President at Northwestern
Northwestern University is entering a period of transition, and the news has been making waves on campus and beyond. The Board of Trustees has announced that Henry S. Bienen, the University’s 15th president and now president emeritus, has been appointed interim president, effective September 16. This follows the resignation of President Michael Schill, who has led the institution since 2022 and will soon return to teaching at the Pritzker School of Law after a sabbatical.
Bienen is no stranger to the Northwestern community. He previously served from 1995 to 2009, a tenure that many remember as transformative. During those years, the University’s endowment grew fivefold, admissions applications surged, and Northwestern’s national and international reputation rose sharply. Research funding expanded, athletic programs gained recognition, and faculty and students received prestigious awards. His leadership style was credited with elevating Northwestern into a new era of academic strength and financial stability.
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In a message to the community, Board Chair Peter Barris emphasized that Bienen’s deep understanding of Northwestern makes him uniquely suited for this moment. He has spent more than three decades connected to the institution, not only as a past president but also as an active voice in higher education, cultural organizations, and public service. His resume stretches from Princeton University, where he was dean of the Woodrow Wilson School, to later work as president of the Poetry Foundation, not to mention advisory roles with the U.S. Department of State and the CIA.
When asked about returning, Bienen expressed that it was both an honor and a responsibility. He acknowledged that universities face challenging times, but he described Northwestern as resilient and thriving. He pointed to the University’s strength across diverse fields — sciences, engineering, business, arts, humanities, law, and journalism — and highlighted its culture of creativity and interdisciplinary excellence. For him, this is not just a professional assignment but a deeply personal commitment. His wife Leigh taught at Northwestern Law, his family remains tied to the school, and even his grandchildren and nieces have been part of its student body.
Meanwhile, Michael Schill addressed families of new students shortly after the leadership change was announced. He urged them to “fight for Northwestern” — fight for science, truth, and the freedom of faculty to teach without political interference. His remarks reflected broader pressures in higher education, including recent congressional scrutiny and the national debate over campus speech. Despite stepping down, Schill made clear his belief in Northwestern’s mission and his confidence in Bienen’s leadership.
As the academic year begins, the University community is being reminded of its long tradition of excellence and adaptability. With Henry Bienen stepping back into a familiar role, the message is clear: Northwestern intends to steady itself during this transition while continuing its momentum as one of the nation’s leading research universities.
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