Northwestern University Names New President

EVANSTON, IL — Northwestern University has announced its 18th President will be Mung Chiang, the current President of Purdue University, officials announced Tuesday.

Chiang has led Purdue University since January 2023 and has built a career as a researcher, educator, innovator and leader. He will begin his presidency on July 1.

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“I am honored and thrilled to be Northwestern’s next president,” Chiang said. “I have long admired Northwestern for its dedication to interdisciplinary scholarship, artistic creation and impactful research, its tremendous healthcare system, and its palpable school spirit.

Chiang replaces former president Michael Schill, who stepped down in Sept. 2025, following a period of turmoil for the university. Schill's difficult tenure included attacks from Republicans in Congress and a target from the Trump administration.

Northwestern said Chiang emerged from a crowded field of candidates and was selected after input from several hundred people through interviews, listening sessions, emails and other feedback.

During his tenure at Purdue, he expanded research activity to more than $1 billion in sponsored research expenditures, created new strategic partnerships with industry and advanced initiatives in technology, health and business. The university also said Purdue, under Chiang’s leadership, posted its most selective incoming class, highest graduation rate, most successful fundraising year, and record federal and industry research grants.

"My first priority is to listen and learn about Northwestern’s distinct culture and this community of scholarly and creative minds, because what matters most is the 'who' before the 'what,'" Chiang said. "I want to engage with as many members of our community as possible: students and parents, faculty and staff, alumni and donors, neighbors and partners, as well as all trustees. I will come to every one of the 12 colleges and schools, cheer every one of our 21 sports teams, visit our clinical partners at Northwestern Medicine and beyond, and participate in every cherished campus tradition."