Northwestern is at an inflection point. After 25-years of steadily increasing academic reputation and athletic prowess under the leadership of Henry Bienen and Morty Shapiro, a few months of Michael Schill has unwound all the positive momentum.
Rather than talking about a state-of-the-art stadium to make Northwestern a destination location for football games and NCAA lacrosse championships, Schill is now talking of downsizing and delaying the project. Schill seems comfortable with athletics on par with Rice. Rice is a good academic school, but it is irrelevant in the national conversation because their athletics are not relevant.
My guess: the BoT doesn't want Northwestern to be another Rice, and Schill will be shown the door as soon as its clear the University is trending in that direction.
Rather than talking about a state-of-the-art stadium to make Northwestern a destination location for football games and NCAA lacrosse championships, Schill is now talking of downsizing and delaying the project. Schill seems comfortable with athletics on par with Rice. Rice is a good academic school, but it is irrelevant in the national conversation because their athletics are not relevant.
My guess: the BoT doesn't want Northwestern to be another Rice, and Schill will be shown the door as soon as its clear the University is trending in that direction.