Boston University Faces Significant Leadership Transitions

Boston, MA, February 13, 2026

News Summary

Boston University is preparing for pivotal leadership changes as Deans Natalie McKnight and Susan Fournier announce their plans to step down in June. This transition, occurring alongside other administrative shifts, emphasizes the university’s commitment to academic excellence and leadership. Dean McKnight has significantly influenced the College of General Studies since 2013, while Dean Fournier has propelled the Questrom School of Business to new heights since 2018. As the university seeks new leaders, it reinforces its mission to foster academic freedom and enhance community impact.

Boston, MA — Boston University is navigating a period of significant leadership transitions as two prominent deans, Natalie McKnight of the College of General Studies (CGS) and Susan Fournier of the Questrom School of Business, prepare to step down from their roles in June 2026. These departures, along with other recent high-profile administrative changes, mark a pivotal moment for one of Boston’s leading academic institutions, underscoring its ongoing commitment to academic excellence, innovative leadership, and community impact.

Leadership in higher education is a dynamic responsibility, requiring a blend of academic vision, administrative acumen, and a steadfast dedication to student and faculty flourishing. As these seasoned leaders transition, Boston University is poised to embark on searches for successors who will build upon established legacies, fostering environments that champion academic freedom, personal responsibility, and the development of future leaders prepared to contribute meaningfully to both the local and global communities. These transitions reflect the natural evolution of a major university, constantly adapting to new challenges and opportunities in the educational landscape.

Pivotal Leadership Changes in 2026

In a series of announcements, Boston University confirmed that Dean Natalie McKnight of the College of General Studies and Dean Susan Fournier of the Questrom School of Business will conclude their tenures in June 2026. Dean McKnight, a scholar of Victorian studies, has served as dean of CGS since 2013. Dean Fournier, an eminent voice in branding and consumer behavior, has guided the Questrom School of Business as its dean since 2018. Both leaders will transition back to faculty roles or retirement, following a period of sabbatical for Dean McKnight and retirement from the university for Dean Fournier. These changes come as part of a broader period of administrative shifts at the university, including the upcoming departure of Provost Gloria Waters at the end of the 2025-26 academic year.

Dean Natalie McKnight’s Legacy at the College of General Studies

Dean Natalie McKnight’s 13-year deanship at the College of General Studies has been characterized by significant curricular and experiential enhancements. Under her leadership, CGS transitioned its academic calendar in 2020, moving the start of studies for incoming freshmen from September to January. This change allowed students to complete their first semester in Boston before undertaking a summer session either in London or New England, providing a unique first-year study abroad opportunity, which is the only one of its kind at Boston University. This innovative program received the Association for General and Liberal Studies’ Exemplary Program Award in 2019.

McKnight also oversaw the introduction of CGS’s first-ever minor in Interdisciplinary Studies. Furthermore, her tenure saw a notable expansion of undergraduate research and professional internship opportunities, growing from a few per year to approximately 80, significantly enriching students’ practical learning experiences. The College of General Studies offers an integrated, interdisciplinary, global, and team-based program designed to help students connect different academic disciplines and apply their knowledge to real-world issues. During their two years at CGS, students fulfill most of their BU Hub requirements and complete electives before transitioning into their chosen majors in other Boston University schools or colleges for their junior year. McKnight’s dedication to strengthening the CGS program was also evident in her role as director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Teaching & Learning (CITL), where she led an eportfolio assessment project to evaluate the curriculum’s success. She joined the CGS faculty in 1990 and served as chair of the humanities division and associate dean for faculty research prior to her deanship.

Dean Susan Fournier’s Transformative Leadership at Questrom

Dean Susan Fournier has led the Questrom School of Business since 2018, bringing a wealth of experience as an educator, researcher, and administrator to the role. Her leadership has been instrumental in repositioning Questrom through strategic investments in faculty and staff, a focus on research excellence, and academic innovation, all while prioritizing student outcomes. Under her guidance, Questrom’s undergraduate business program experienced significant growth in national stature, climbing from No. 49 to No. 36 in U.S. News & World Report rankings and from No. 30 to No. 17 in Poets & Quants. The school’s undergraduate career services ranking also improved, moving from No. 47 in 2018 to No. 18.

Fournier initiated the most comprehensive curriculum redesign in Questrom’s history, involving over 70 faculty and staff, to ensure graduates are well-prepared for the evolving global economy. She strategically expanded Questrom’s academic portfolio with an emphasis on innovation, accessibility, and affordability, notably launching the Questrom Online MBA during the global pandemic, which now enrolls over 2,000 students annually. Additional programs introduced include the MS in Business Analytics and MS in Finance. During her tenure, Questrom’s research visibility and productivity also significantly increased, with the school rising from No. 47 to No. 30 in North America for business school research. One-third of Questrom’s full professors are now recognized among the top two percent of research scientists globally. A distinguished marketing professor, she is known for pioneering the brand relationships subfield and her work has garnered over 31,000 citations. She was also the first woman to serve as dean at Questrom.

A Period of Institutional Evolution for Boston University

The transitions of Deans McKnight and Fournier occur within a broader context of leadership evolution at Boston University. The university recently appointed a new Assistant Provost for Faculty Development and Success in September 2025, a role focused on advancing the intellectual growth and professional development of faculty across all ranks and disciplines. This initiative, identified by President Melissa Gilliam, aims to elevate the work of current faculty and amplify BU’s reputation. Additionally, Provost Gloria Waters, who assumed her role in July 2024 with an intended limited tenure, is set to step down at the end of the 2025-26 academic year. These shifts, following the retirement of BU’s 10th President Robert A. Brown in July 2023, reflect an ongoing commitment to strategic renewal and adaptation in a competitive educational landscape. Such institutional evolution ensures that Boston University remains at the forefront of higher education, continually reinforcing its foundation for future generations of leaders and innovators.

Shaping Future Leadership and Community Impact

As Boston University prepares for these significant leadership transitions, the search for new deans for the College of General Studies and the Questrom School of Business will be crucial. The university’s commitment to fostering a rigorous academic environment and developing leaders with strong personal responsibility and a sense of community impact remains paramount. These incoming leaders will be tasked with upholding the standards of academic freedom and discipline that define Boston University, while also driving innovation and strengthening partnerships that benefit both the university community and the wider Massachusetts educational and economic ecosystem. The continuity of robust leadership ensures that the university can continue to serve its mission of educating students and advancing knowledge for the betterment of society.

Boston University’s ongoing dedication to providing exceptional educational experiences, coupled with its adaptive leadership strategy, positions it as a vital contributor to Massachusetts higher education. The university’s emphasis on student success and the development of impactful research aligns with the core values celebrated by HEREboston.com, reinforcing its role as a beacon of learning and innovation in the region.

Summary of Dean Tenures and Achievements

Conclusion

Boston University is entering a new chapter with the upcoming transitions of Dean Natalie McKnight and Dean Susan Fournier. Their contributions to the College of General Studies and Questrom School of Business, respectively, have significantly shaped student experiences, academic programs, and institutional standing. As the university undertakes the crucial process of identifying new leadership, it reaffirms its dedication to its foundational principles of intellectual rigor, innovation, and community engagement. Readers are encouraged to stay informed about Boston MA college news and explore the diverse opportunities available across Boston University leadership, contributing to the vibrant landscape of Massachusetts higher education and UMA research.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When are Dean Natalie McKnight and Dean Susan Fournier stepping down from their roles?

Dean Natalie McKnight and Dean Susan Fournier are stepping down from their roles in June 2026.

Which colleges at Boston University are affected by these leadership transitions?

The College of General Studies (CGS) and the Questrom School of Business at Boston University are affected by these leadership transitions.

What were some key achievements of Dean Natalie McKnight at the College of General Studies?

Key achievements of Dean Natalie McKnight include introducing a January start for freshmen, expanding first-year study abroad opportunities unique to Boston University, launching the first minor in Interdisciplinary Studies, and significantly increasing undergraduate research and internship opportunities.

What impact did Dean Susan Fournier have on the Questrom School of Business?

Dean Susan Fournier’s impact includes increasing Questrom’s undergraduate program rankings and career services ranking, leading a comprehensive curriculum redesign, launching the Questrom Online MBA and new MS programs, and boosting the school’s research visibility and productivity. She was also the first woman dean of Questrom.

Are there other significant leadership changes happening at Boston University?

Yes, other significant leadership changes at Boston University include the upcoming departure of Provost Gloria Waters at the end of the 2025-26 academic year.

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