William “Brit” Kirwan

Chancellor Emeritus

University System of Maryland

Dr. William Kirwan is a nationally recognized authority on critical issues shaping the higher education landscape. Prior to his 13 years as chancellor of the University System of Maryland, Dr. Kirwan served as president of Ohio State University for four years and president of the University of Maryland, College Park for 10 years. He was also a member of the University of Maryland faculty for 24 years. A respected academic leader, Dr. Kirwan is a sought-after speaker on a wide range of topics, including access and affordability, cost containment, diversity, innovation, higher education’s role in economic development, and academic transformation. Along with his national and international presentations on key issues, he has authored many articles on issues in higher education and has been profiled and cited in academic and mainstream publications.

Dr. Kirwan earned his BA degree from the University of Kentucky and his MA and PhD from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Currently, he chairs the National Research Council Board of Higher Education and Workforce and co-chairs the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics. He also serves on the Business-Higher Education Forum. He is a member of the boards of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Greater Baltimore Committee, Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore, Maryland Business Roundtable for Education, and other organizations.