Andrew Martin Appointed Chancellor Of Washington University

Andrew D. Martin has been appointed Washington University's new chancellor. Formerly the dean of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan, his appointment is effective June 1, 2019, slightly less than a year from now. He will succeed the school's current chancellor, Mark S. Wrighton, who has been in the position since 1995. Wrighton announced his planned retirement last year.

Martin was elected unanimously at a special meeting of the university's board of trustees.

“After a comprehensive global search that produced a slate of highly qualified final candidates, I can say with confidence that we have found the ideal person to pick up the mantle of leadership at Washington University,” said board chairman Craig D. Schnuck in a statement. Schnuck also chaired the 20-person search committee tasked with selecting a new chancellor.

“Andrew Martin possesses all of the qualities we were looking for in our next chancellor," Schnuck continued. "He is not only a respected and capable administrator and a highly regarded academic, he also has a keen understanding of Washington University’s character, its strengths and the opportunities for growth that lie before us in the years and decades to come."

Martin, 45, earned his doctorate at in political science at Washington University in 1988 and served as a faculty member there for 14 years.

“It is an honor and a privilege to return to Washington University as its next chancellor,” Martin said. “I am the scholar, educator and academic leader that I am today because of my experience at the university and in St. Louis, and it is the realization of a dream to be coming back to the institution and the city that have meant so much to me and my family."

Photo by James Byard/Washington University