Northwestern University’s president announces resignation

EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern University President Michael Schill announced his resignation Thursday amid an ongoing federal funding freeze.

He became the 17th president in the university’s history in 2022.

“Over the past three years, it has been my profound honor to serve as president of Northwestern University,” Schill said in a release. “In that time, our community has made significant progress while simultaneously facing extraordinary challenges. Together, we have made decisions that strengthened the institution and helped safeguard its future.”

The Evanston-based university became a target of the Trump administration earlier this year. Around $790 million was frozen in funding over alleged civil rights violations stemming from 2024 on-campus protests over the war in Gaza.

“As I reflect on the progress we have made and what lies ahead, I believe now is the right time for new leadership to guide Northwestern into its next chapter,” Schill said in his message. “Therefore, I have decided, in consultation with the leadership of the Board of Trustees, that I will step down as President.”

In response, Northwestern announced they will self-fund research projects. They stated the freezing of funds could affect

Schill was president in 2024 as Northwestern and other universities across the country were in the spotlight over the aforementioned pro-Palestinian protestors.

He was summoned to speak in a Congressional hearing last year over the GOP accusing Northwestern of not doing enough to address antisemitism.

The university also announced hundreds of layoffs this summer.

Another flashpoint for Schill was the Northwestern athletics’ hazing controversy. In the summer of 2023, longtime head football coach Pat Fitzgerald was suspended for two weeks following an investigation into hazing.

He was fired three days later by Schill. Fitzgerald settled a lawsuit against the university last month for an undisclosed amount.

Hazing allegations were uncovered in the women’s volleyball and baseball program — leading to both head coaches being fired.

The Board of Trustees will name an interim president soon. Schill will continue in his role until the interim president starts, according to the university.

WGN News will update this story once more information becomes available.