Boston, MA, February 17, 2026
News Summary
Boston University is undergoing significant leadership transitions, particularly within the College of General Studies and the Questrom School of Business. As deans prepare to step down in 2026, the institution is also implementing strategic financial adjustments to address budget shortfalls. President Melissa Gilliam has articulated a forward-looking vision for the university’s future, focusing on innovation and interdisciplinary research amidst these changes. The university’s commitment to academic excellence and community engagement remains central to its mission during this pivotal time.
Boston, MA — Boston University is navigating a period of significant leadership transitions across its esteemed academic units, coupled with strategic financial adjustments designed to secure its long-term institutional strength. These developments underscore the university’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, innovative leadership, and its enduring impact on the broader community.
The changes in key administrative roles, particularly within the College of General Studies and the Questrom School of Business, represent a natural evolution for a major research institution dedicated to fostering academic rigor and student growth. As a pillar of Boston MA college news, Boston University continues to adapt to the dynamic landscape of Massachusetts higher education, ensuring its programs and governance structures remain aligned with principles of discipline and personal responsibility.
Key Academic Leadership Transitions Underway
Boston University is preparing for pivotal leadership changes as two prominent deans, Natalie McKnight of the College of General Studies (CGS) and Susan Fournier of the Questrom School of Business, plan to step down from their roles in June 2026. These transitions are occurring concurrently with the upcoming departure of Provost Gloria Waters at the end of the 2025-26 academic year, highlighting a broader administrative refresh within the university.
Dean Natalie McKnight will conclude her 13-year tenure leading the College of General Studies on June 30, 2026. Having joined the CGS faculty in 1990 as a Victorian studies scholar, Dean McKnight was appointed dean in 2014. Her leadership saw CGS adopt a new academic calendar, shifting the start of studies for incoming freshmen from September to January, with an expanded opportunity for a summer session in London or New England. This initiative established CGS as the only Boston University program offering study abroad in a student’s first year. Additionally, during her deanship, the college introduced its first-ever minor in interdisciplinary studies and significantly increased undergraduate research and professional internship opportunities for students. Following a year-long sabbatical, Dean McKnight plans to return to teach at Boston University. An interim dean will be appointed for the 2026-2027 academic year, and a search for a permanent CGS dean will be launched by Provost Waters and her successor.
Similarly, Dean Susan Fournier will step down from her position at the Questrom School of Business on June 30, 2026, and will retire from Boston University in December 2026. Dean Fournier served eight years as dean, notably as Questrom’s first woman dean and the first academic to hold the post in 40 years. She joined the Boston University faculty in 2005. Under her guidance, Questrom undertook a significant overhaul of its curriculum, designed to align academic offerings with current business demands, and prioritized technology as both a teaching tool and an academic subject. This strategic focus led to the creation of a widely adopted online MBA program, as well as new MS degree programs in business analytics and finance, with an online MS program in AI in Business set to commence in fall 2026. During her tenure, Questrom’s undergraduate business education program significantly improved its national rankings. An interim dean will be appointed, and a search for her permanent successor will also be initiated.
Strategic Financial Stewardship and Operational Efficiency
Boston University has proactively addressed financial challenges through a series of strategic adjustments to ensure its fiscal health and sustain its mission. In July 2025, the university announced an average 5% budget reduction across all units for Fiscal Year 2026. This measure involved the elimination of approximately 120 staff positions and about 120 vacant positions, affecting roughly 1% of its employees. These actions were undertaken in response to financial pressures such as federal funding cuts, rising inflation, changing demographics, and declining graduate enrollment.
Prior to these FY2026 adjustments, the university had already implemented budget cuts totaling $50 million in summer 2025 and met its FY2025 budget target, partly aided by COVID-related reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Despite these efforts, a $30 million budget shortfall for the new fiscal year was identified in October 2025, largely due to lower-than-expected graduate enrollments and missed revenue targets. To address this, specific areas of the university were tasked with strategically identifying savings to meet this target. These disciplined financial decisions reflect a commitment to responsible stewardship, positioning Boston University to remain resilient and agile in an evolving economic climate.
Presidential Leadership and Vision for the Future
The university also experienced a significant leadership transition at its highest level with the retirement of Robert A. Brown, Boston University’s 10th President, in July 2023. His departure marked the end of an era, paving the way for new leadership to guide the institution forward. Current President Melissa Gilliam has since articulated a compelling “North Star” vision for the future of Boston University.
In January 2026, President Gilliam outlined a vision centered on transforming BU into a “global destination of discovery, education, and human connection.” This forward-looking strategy emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and the university’s strengths in interdisciplinary and convergent research. It seeks to equip the institution to excel in the current era and for generations to come, underscoring the importance of shared values and collective effort in advancing Boston University’s prominence.
Driving Innovation Through Key Institutes and Research
Boston University continues to bolster its research and academic impact through significant initiatives. A notable example is the establishment of the Ravi K. Mehrotra Institute for Business, Markets, & Society at the Questrom School of Business. This institute was officially launched in September 2024 with support from former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers.
The Mehrotra Institute is dedicated to studying the critical role of business in achieving “lasting prosperity” and “solving global challenges.” Its mission involves conducting research, developing curriculum, and hosting events that inform how businesses should be governed and how markets should be designed and regulated to deliver tangible value in a complex global economy. This initiative reflects Boston University’s dedication to academic freedom and its commitment to producing research with meaningful societal and economic impact. Additionally, Boston University is enhancing its capabilities in artificial intelligence through the AI Development Accelerator (AIDA), providing students, faculty, and staff with essential tools for thoughtful and critical AI utilization.
Commitment to Diversity and Interdisciplinary Studies
In a move reflecting Boston University’s dedication to diverse scholarship and intellectual inquiry, Ibram X. Kendi, a leading scholar on racism, joined the university’s faculty on July 1, 2020. Dr. Kendi concurrently launched the BU Center for Antiracist Research, establishing a significant hub for interdisciplinary study and public discourse on critical societal issues. This center embodies the university’s commitment to academic freedom and its role in fostering nuanced understanding and responsible engagement with complex topics.
Boston University is actively fostering a vibrant academic environment that prioritizes student development, cutting-edge research, and impactful community engagement. The ongoing leadership transitions reflect an adaptive strategy to reinforce the university’s core strengths and ensure its continued excellence in a competitive global landscape. Through strategic financial planning, a clear presidential vision, and a dedication to both established and emerging fields of study, Boston University remains a vital institution within Massachusetts higher education.
Readers are encouraged to explore the diverse programs offered by Boston University, attend upcoming campus events, and stay informed about the dynamic advancements within Boston’s thriving college community. Continued engagement with these institutions helps to build leadership and community impact across the region.
| Category | Details | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| CGS Dean Transition | Natalie McKnight to step down as Dean of College of General Studies. Her tenure included new academic calendar, expanded study abroad, and increased undergraduate research opportunities. | June 30, 2026 |
| Questrom Dean Transition | Susan Fournier to step down as Dean of Questrom School of Business. Her leadership saw curriculum overhaul, online MBA, new MS programs, and improved rankings. | June 30, 2026 |
| Provost Transition | Provost Gloria Waters to step down from her role. | End of 2025-26 academic year |
| Budget Reduction | Average 5% budget reduction across all units, including elimination of ~120 staff positions and ~120 vacant positions. | Fiscal Year 2026 (announced July 2025) |
| Presidential Vision | President Melissa Gilliam outlined “North Star” vision for BU’s future, focusing on discovery, education, human connection, innovation, and collaboration. | January 2026 |
| Mehrotra Institute Launch | Ravi K. Mehrotra Institute for Business, Markets, & Society launched at Questrom School of Business, supported by Larry Summers, focusing on business’s role in global challenges. | September 2024 |
| Antiracist Research Center | Ibram X. Kendi joined faculty and launched the BU Center for Antiracist Research. | July 1, 2020 |
Frequently Asked Questions
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 included adopting a new academic calendar, expanding study abroad opportunities for first-year students, introducing a minor in interdisciplinary studies, and significantly increasing undergraduate research and internships.
What initiatives did Dean Susan Fournier lead at the Questrom School of Business?
Dean Fournier led a major curriculum overhaul, created an online MBA program, introduced new MS degree programs in business analytics, finance, and AI in Business, and established the Ravi K. Mehrotra Institute for Business, Markets, & Society.
What financial adjustments did Boston University make for Fiscal Year 2026?
Boston University implemented an average 5% budget reduction across all units for Fiscal Year 2026, which included eliminating approximately 120 staff positions and about 120 vacant positions.
What is President Melissa Gilliam’s “North Star” vision for Boston University?
President Melissa Gilliam’s “North Star” vision aims to transform Boston University into a “global destination of discovery, education, and human connection,” emphasizing innovation, collaboration, and interdisciplinary research.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Northeastern’s Aoun Advocates for AI in Higher Education
Boston and Wentworth Institute Formalize Landmark Agreements
Boston Experiences Surge in Graduate Student Enrollment
LaGuardia Airport Workers Create Winter Olympics Playground
Boston’s Musical Giants Unite for Community Growth
Nobel Laureates Warn of Federal Funding Crisis in Massachusetts
East Boston Schools: Local Innovations Driving Progress
Massachusetts Board of Higher Education Approves New Degree Pathways
Tufts University and Somerville Forge Collaborative Partnership
Boston Colleges Chart Summer Course Pathways
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
