Late last week, Northwestern University announced that the dean of its School of Law, David Van Zandt, will leave the University at the end of December to take on his new role as president of The New School in New York City. A member of the Northwestern faculty since 1985, Van Zandt has served as dean of the law school for the past 15 years. He will replace The New School’s current president, Bob Kerrey, on January 1st, 2011.
During his tenure as dean of Northwestern Law, Van Zandt led a strategic plan to make the school more competitive. His efforts resulted in the creation of the largest JD-MBA program in the United States, a dramatic increase in annual giving, and a rise in the school’s public profile. Northwestern Law has also become the most diverse top-tier law school in the country as a result of Van Zandt’s guidance.
According to Northwestern’s announcement, Provost Daniel Linzer will soon form a search committee made up of school faculty, students, staff, and community members to spearhead a national search for Van Zandt’s successor. Linzer expects that an interim dean will be appointed later this fall, as the search is anticipated to extend past Van Zandt’s departure date.
The New School’s Board of Trustees revealed their decision on August 26th. Van Zandt will be the university’s eighth president.
