Kathleen Hagerty, Northwestern’s First Female Provost, Announces Departure
Kathleen Hagerty, Northwestern University’s first female provost, plans to step down at the end of the academic year. This announcement marks the end of over 40 years of service at the university, during which she worked under three presidents. The news was shared on Thursday, prompting the university to announce the formation of a search committee for her successor.
Kathleen Hagerty’s Tenure and Impact
Hagerty expressed pride in her role at Northwestern and gratitude for her colleagues. She emphasized the dedication and talent of the faculty and administration she has worked with over the years. Hagerty stated that now is the appropriate time to transition into her next chapter.
During her leadership as the chief academic officer, Hagerty significantly contributed to various university projects. She was instrumental in enhancing academic facilities, initiating new programs, and facilitating faculty recruitment.
Key Initiatives and Achievements
- Social Sciences and Global Affairs Hub
- Litowitz Center for Enlightened Disagreement
- Giant Magellan Telescope partnership
- Renovation of Deering Library
Jennifer Lackey, a philosophy professor at Northwestern, highlighted Hagerty’s role in launching the Northwestern Prison Education Program (NPEP). This program awards bachelor’s degrees to incarcerated students, making it the first of its kind at a top 10 university.
Lackey noted, “Hagerty’s support was vital for NPEP, demonstrating transformative leadership that redefines institutional identity.”
Leadership and Legacy
Hagerty’s legacy includes hiring five deans and two vice presidents, along with involvement in numerous faculty appointments. She started her career at the Kellogg School of Management in 1984 and holds the First Chicago Professorship in Finance.
Before her role as provost, she served as associate provost for faculty in the 2019-2020 academic year and as the interim dean at Kellogg. Currently, Hagerty is the longest-serving provost in the Big Ten conference and chairs the Big Ten Academic Alliance.
