Howard Schapiro: A Legacy of Leadership in Higher Education Economics
Howard Schapiro is a distinguished economist and academic leader who has spent decades shaping the landscape of American higher education. With a career spanning prestigious roles at some of the nation's most renowned institutions, Schapiro has combined his expertise in economics with a deep commitment to student accessibility and institutional excellence.
Key Facts
- Academic Leadership: Served as the 16th president of Williams College and later as the president of Northwestern University.
- Specialization: A leading authority on the economics of higher education, specifically college financing and affordability.
- Publications: Authored over 100 articles and written or edited nine books.
- Honors: Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2010) and the National Academy of Education (2017).
- Public Service: Testified before the U.S. Senate and House committees on economic and educational issues.
Academic Career and Institutional Leadership
Schapiro's journey in academia began with a focus on teaching, earning a Distinguished Teaching Award in 1978 while at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn). In 1980, he joined the economics faculty at Williams College, where he also served as assistant provost from 1986 to 1989.
His leadership trajectory continued at the University of Southern California (USC), where he became the chair of the economics department in 1991. He subsequently rose to become the dean of the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences in 1994, and the vice president for planning in 1998.
Presidency at Williams College
In 2000, Schapiro returned to Williams College as its 16th president. His tenure was marked by significant reforms aimed at inclusivity and academic rigor. He notably eliminated student loans for low-income students, replacing them with grants, and tripled the number of tutorial courses offered. Under his leadership, the diversity of the student body increased, with students of color rising from approximately 25 percent to 33 percent.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Presidency at Northwestern University
On September 1, 2009, Schapiro began his term as the president of Northwestern University. In addition to his administrative duties, he served as a professor of economics in the Judd A. and Marjorie Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, with appointments in the School of Education and Social Policy and the J.L. Kellogg School of Management.
During his presidency, which concluded on September 12, 2022, Schapiro was credited with improving the university's standing in college rankings. Known for his dedication to undergraduate students, he frequently hosted students at his home and co-taught courses with Gary Saul Morson. Upon his retirement, he was named president emeritus and received congratulations from the Illinois General Assembly on March 9, 2022.
Research and Contributions to Economics
Beyond administration, Schapiro is recognized as a premier expert on the economics of higher education. His research focuses on college financing (the methods by which institutions secure funds) and affordability (the ability of students to pay for education without prohibitive debt).
His scholarly work is extensive, including more than 100 articles and nine books. Notable publications include Cents and Sensibility: What Economics Can Learn from the Humanities (2017) and The Student Aid Game: Meeting Need and Rewarding Talent in American Higher Education (1998). His research has been supported by prestigious grants from the National Science Foundation, the World Bank, and the U.S. Department of Education, among others.
Schapiro also contributes to public discourse through columns in the Jewish Journal and The Chronicle of Higher Education. His professional service extends to the corporate and non-profit sectors, having served as a director of Marsh & McLennan and a trustee of Hillel International.
| Institution | Role | Period/Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Williams College | President | 2000–2009; Replaced loans with grants |
| Northwestern University | President | 2009–2022; Improved college rankings |
| University of Southern California | Dean / VP for Planning | 1991–1999; Led College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences |
| Williams College | Faculty / Assistant Provost | 1980–1989 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Howard Schapiro's primary areas of economic expertise?
He is a leading authority on the economics of higher education, specifically focusing on student aid, educational costs, and college financing and affordability.
How did Schapiro impact student accessibility at Williams College?
During his presidency, he eliminated student loans for low-income students in favor of grants and increased the representation of students of color from 25 percent to 33 percent.
Which prestigious academies has Howard Schapiro been elected to?
He was elected as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2010 and joined the National Academy of Education in 2017.
What is Schapiro's current status at Northwestern University?
After concluding his term as president on September 12, 2022, he now holds the title of president emeritus.
Has Howard Schapiro influenced public policy?
Yes, he has testified before both the U.S. Senate and House committees regarding economic and educational issues.