Rebecca Blank. Image courtesy: Northwestern University
MADISON, WI (WSAU) — Rebecca Blank is in line to become the next President for Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.
The UW-Madison Chancellor made the announcement Monday on Twitter, saying leading the University and serving the people of Wisconsin has been an honor and privilege. She went on to say that she feels the University has grown stronger under her leadership.
In their press announcement about the hire, Northwestern heralded Blank as a “pioneer in poverty research” and “an internationally renowned economist.” The move also marks a return to Northwestern for Blank; she taught economics at the suburban Chicago school from 1989 to 1999.
Blank’s appointment begins in the summer of 2022. She becomes the 17th President in school history and the first female president.
UW System President Tommy Tompson released the following statement regarding Blank’s resignation: “The University of Wisconsin is one of the finest universities in the world, and Chancellor Blank’s tenacious advocacy and strong leadership have helped build on that legacy during her tenure. On behalf of the University of Wisconsin System, I want to thank her for her service to our state and wish her well at Northwestern.”
Governor Tony Evers also released a statement regarding the announcement, saying “I want to thank Chancellor Blank for her service to our state, the UW System, and our flagship campus in Madison. Chancellor Blank is a distinguished leader and economist who has always been a fierce advocate for continuing UW-Madison’s proud tradition of excellence in research and innovation, especially in the midst of political headwinds and budget cuts during her time at the UW. I’m grateful for Chancellor Blank’s leadership during her near-decade as chancellor at UW-Madison, and I wish her all the best as president of Northwestern University.”
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