Northwestern just announced Jonathan Holloway will become the University’s new provost July 1, 2017. Here’s everything you need to know:
Who’s the new provost?
Jonathan Holloway is the dean of Yale College, the undergraduate college of arts and sciences at Yale University. He’s also the Edmund S. Morgan Professor of African American Studies, History and American Studies, and he has been involved in Yale’s residential college system too. Holloway earned his doctorate at Yale, but he began his academic career by teaching at the University of California, San Diego, for five years.
Who’s he replacing?
The current provost, Dan Linzer, will leave June 30, 2017, after 10 years in the position. Before he was provost, Linzer had been the dean of Weinberg for five years, and was associate dean previously. He started working in molecular biosciences at Northwestern in 1984. Linzer also studied at Yale – he earned his bachelor’s degree there, but his doctorate at Princeton.
What’s a provost?
The provost is second in command to the president. The person in this position works with the University’s schools to oversee initiatives, policies and priorities, and also approves new and promoted faculty. The provost additionally oversees the budget, and funds schools and academic programs with money and other resources.
What does Holloway have to say about taking the new position?
“I have long admired the scholarship that has been produced by Northwestern faculty members in my fields, and I am now eager to discover and, importantly, to support the work of my new colleagues across the University,” Holloway said in the University’s statement announcing his hire.
What does he have to say about leaving Yale?
“It has been my great honor to serve as your dean. Yale will always be very close to my heart,” Holloway said in an email to Yale students.
What does Linzer have to say about leaving Northwestern?
“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,” Linzer said in a University statement last June announcing his leaving the position.
And, what you’re all wondering – what does Morty think?
“It has been my very good fortune to have Dan Linzer as provost since I came to Northwestern eight years ago. … I’m eager to have Jonathan join us, and I’m confident that the Northwestern community will enjoy getting to know him,” University President Morton Schapiro said in the statement announcing Holloway’s hire.