Northwestern University’s Board of Trustees named Purdue president Mung Chiang as the school’s 18th president, with his term beginning July 1. The appointment follows the resignation of former President Michael Schill in September 2025, after a period of heightened campus unrest. Interim President Henry Bienen will stay in the role through the end of June as Northwestern transitions to Chiang’s leadership. The move matters for faculty and students because it comes amid a still-sensitive governance backdrop tied to how the university handled protests and broader campus climate concerns. The hiring sets up an immediate test for continuity on academic priorities and student engagement, particularly given Northwestern’s recent history of leadership conflict. Chiang’s Purdue track record and approach to institutional decision-making will likely be closely watched by trustees, unions, and campus leaders as they prepare for the next academic cycle.