Northwestern University President Michael Schill
Northwestern University President Michael Schill announced his resignation amid federal funding freezes, campus protests, and staff layoffs Photo courtesy of Northwestern University / northwestern.edu

EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern University President Michael Schill announced Thursday that he will resign, concluding a three-year tenure marked by financial strain, political pressure, and campus upheaval.

The Trump administration froze about $790 million in federal research funding in April amid accusations that the university had failed to properly address antisemitism on its campus. The funding freeze triggered layoffs affecting roughly 200 to 425 employees this summer.

Schill navigated that crisis alongside a controversial agreement with pro-Palestinian student protesters, who dismantled an encampment on campus in exchange for institutional reforms. He defended the pact before a congressional panel, stating it preserved both campus safety and academic freedom.

Late in 2022, Northwestern was also embroiled in a hazing scandal involving its athletic department, which resulted in the dismissal of longtime football coach Pat Fitzgerald and several related lawsuits.

Schill will continue serving until an interim president is named, then return to the faculty at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law after a brief sabbatical. He said he will also assist the Board of Trustees in restoring the university's frozen federal funding.

Despite the challenges, Schill leaves behind notable accomplishments during his tenure, including increased national rankings and record-breaking fundraising years.