Dan Linzer to Step Down as Provost in 2017

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Daniel I. Linzer, Northwestern University provost and chief academic officer, will step down from that position at the end of the 2016-17 academic year “after a decade of brilliant service,” President Morton Schapiro announced today. Linzer has been the University provost since 2007, after previously serving for five years as dean of the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. 

“Dan Linzer has provided extraordinary leadership for Northwestern as provost, and previously as dean of Weinberg,” President Schapiro said. “His far-reaching vision and thoughtful guidance have been instrumental in advancing Northwestern academically. I am especially grateful that he has been an extraordinary partner to me since the day I arrived on campus seven years ago. Without his wise counsel and friendship, my transition to Northwestern would have been much more difficult. Dan has played an indispensable role in any successes we have had since then, as was the case with his previous administrative leadership. His intellect, integrity and commitment to Northwestern are an inspiration to all of us.”

During Linzer’s tenure as provost, Northwestern has made significant strides in all academic areas, including major advances in biomedical research, engineering, the arts and the humanities. He has hired seven of the University’s 12 college/school deans, and he has been involved in attracting and retaining many of Northwestern’s top faculty members while increasing the size of the faculty overall.

Linzer spearheaded Northwestern’s strategic planning from 2009 to 2011, which resulted in the University’s strategic plan, Northwestern Will. The plan’s four pillars -- discover, integrate, connect and engage -- have served as guideposts for the University’s direction since its adoption. In addition, the strategic plan has been the foundation for Northwestern’s remarkably successful fundraising effort, We Will. The Campaign for Northwestern.

“I am grateful to have been able to serve Northwestern as provost, a dean and a faculty member,” Linzer said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with so many brilliant and dedicated faculty, staff and students. I came to Northwestern more than 30 years ago, and I know that while I may have had a small role in shaping this University, it has played a major role in shaping me. I truly do appreciate the opportunities I have been given and the wonderful colleagues I have had the pleasure of working with at this remarkable institution.”

Prior to becoming dean of Weinberg in 2002, Linzer served as associate dean. He first came to Northwestern in 1984 as an assistant professor. Since 1997, he has been a professor of biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology.

President Schapiro will oversee the process to select Linzer’s successor during the next academic year.