Notre Dame to Begin Provost Search

The University of Notre Dame will soon begin a search to replace Thomas Burish as the Charles and Jill Fischer Provost, after Burish announced he will step down on July 1, 2020. Burish has served as provost since 2005 and also serves as chief academic officer.

Burish was tasked with strengthening academics and the university’s research commitment, and since 2006, research has doubled from $79 million to more than $212 million in 2017. Graduate School investments also more than doubled, with now more than 15 graduate programs and a 25 percent application increase. 

“It has been a great joy and privilege to return to my alma mater as provost and to be a part of Notre Dame’s distinctive excellence as a Catholic research university,” Burish said. “I have been honored to work with and learn from Father John and the Trustees, and with faculty, staff, and administrative colleagues who have displayed ever-rising standards of service and excellence."

The Wisconsin-native graduated summa cum laude from Notre Dame in 1972 and later co-authored, or co-edited, four books, and has contributed to over 15 other books. 

An international search for a successor to Burish will begin in the next few months, after a search committee is formed. Faculty and students will make up some of the members, with President John Jenkins serving as chair. The Board of Trustees will elect the next provost after being presented with the committee’s recommendations.