#United States #Waltham #Liberal Arts #Brandeis University #Arthur Levine

Arthur Levine Installed as Brandeis University President

On September 16, 2025, Brandeis University expressed a new chapter in its history with the installation of Arthur Levine as its permanent president. The ceremony took place at the Gorman Athletic and Convocation Center, a symbolic venue for the university's commitment to fostering an inclusive yet progressive educational environment.

Before being officially appointed, Levine served as the interim president and, shortly before his installation, introduced a bold initiative called the "Brandeis Plan to Reinvent the Liberal Arts" at a prestigious gathering at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. This initiative aims to integrate career preparation throughout a student's education, a timely response to the evolving demands of today’s job market, addressing the need for educational reform in the liberal arts field.

Levine is a renowned figure in the realm of higher education, known for his transformational leadership while at Columbia University’s Teachers College and at Bradford College, among other esteemed institutions. He has also held significant roles at Harvard University, contributing as the chair of the Higher Education Graduate Program and the Institute for Educational Management at the Graduate School of Education.

His research focuses on refining teacher, principal, and superintendent preparation programs, which have catalyzed important discussions regarding how future educators are trained and supported. Levine's background positions him uniquely to drive academic innovation at Brandeis.

The Brandeis Plan represents a significant redesign of the institution's academic structures and programs. It mandates internships or apprenticeships for students, ensuring practical experiences complement classroom learning. Furthermore, the approach emphasizes consistent career counseling and a core curriculum that hones in on the skills most sought after by employers. This new model aims to make learning more experiential and introduces innovative methods for assessing student learning and growth over time.

As Levine noted during the ceremonies, "We are living through a time of extraordinary change across technology, the economy, and society. Today's students need more than knowledge. They need the skills, experiences, and confidence to lead in a world we cannot yet predict. We are advancing a new model. We need reinvention. And that is exactly what Brandeis is establishing."

Under Levine's leadership, Brandeis's board of trustees has allocated $25 million to advance internships and heighten career opportunities, alongside support for faculty in developing innovative programs. A new Center for Careers and Applied Liberal Arts will also be established to drive this innovation within Brandeis's curriculum, preparing students for the rapid changes in technology, the economy, and society that are unfolding globally.

Moreover, the university has announced a strategic partnership with Educational Testing Service (ETS), a prominent global education and talent solutions organization. This collaboration aims to facilitate student transitions from educational achievement directly into meaningful employment. An intriguing development from this partnership is the creation of a "second transcript" for Brandeis students, which will detail and validate their distinct accomplishments and competencies, providing prospective employers with a clearer picture of their qualifications.

Levine's long-standing connection to Brandeis runs deep; he is a graduate of the class of 1970 and has since dedicated his professional journey to the betterment of the higher education landscape, striving to ensure institutions like Brandeis fulfill their multifaceted missions.

Before joining Brandeis, Levine presided over Teachers College from 1994 to 2006, where he profoundly transformed its mission with a focus on educational equity. His leadership led to the founding of the Center for Educational Equity and spearheaded the largest fundraising campaign by a school of education to date, alongside significant capital investments and faculty expansions.

From 2006 to 2019, as President of the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, Levine broadened the impact of the organization, launching initiatives that prepared STEM educators for underserved communities. His scholarly contributions include 13 published books, showcasing a deep engagement with the evolution of educational practices.

His frequent appearances in prominent media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Politico display his commitment to public discourse on education. Levine has earned a PhD in sociology and been recognized with multiple honors, including fellowships from prestigious organizations and honorary doctorates from numerous universities.

In conclusion, Arthur Levine's presidency at Brandeis University signals a promising trajectory for the institution, marked by innovative educational commitments and a renewed focus on student employability, setting a benchmark for liberal arts education in the contemporary landscape.