Mung Chiang has been making waves in the academic world since arriving at Purdue University in 2017. As the dean of the College of Engineering, he quickly helped the college improve its rankings and increase funding, all while focusing on student success. By June 2022, he became Purdue’s president.
Chiang, a first-generation immigrant and the first Asian American president of Northwestern University, understands the power of diverse ideas in transforming lives. He emphasizes the importance of free speech on campus as crucial for academic excellence.
Peter Barris, chair of Northwestern’s Board of Trustees, praised Chiang’s leadership skills, noting his ability to seize opportunities and inspire progress. “Mung has his sights set on advancing Northwestern among the world’s great research institutions,” he said.
Before his time at Purdue, Chiang spent 14 years at Princeton University. There, he rose from assistant professor to a chair professor while spearheading initiatives like the Princeton Entrepreneurship Council. He received the Distinguished Teaching Award at Princeton for his innovative teaching methods and founded the Princeton EDGE Lab to connect theoretical research with real-world applications. His work has led to 26 U.S. patents, most of which are licensed for use.
Chiang holds degrees in electrical engineering and mathematics from Stanford, along with a Ph.D. in electrical engineering. He also earned an Honorary Doctorate from Dartmouth College in 2025. His accolades include recognition from the National Academy of Engineering and prestigious awards from the IEEE and the National Science Foundation.
His recent role extends beyond academics; Chiang also contributed to the federal CHIPS and Science Act, obtaining significant funding for AI research at Purdue. Under his guidance, Purdue saw its most competitive admissions cycle and the largest fundraising year in its history.
Ian Hurd, president of the Faculty Senate at Northwestern, noted that the search committee looked for a leader with creative energy to further the university’s mission. “With Mung, we found a dynamic Wildcat who is committed to what makes a great university,” he remarked.
Chiang’s research covers critical topics like network optimization and the Internet of Things. His expertise led to his appointment as a science and technology advisor to the U.S. Secretary of State in 2020, marking him as the first engineer in that role. He is also involved with the U.S. Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation.
Chiang is not just an academic; he is committed to community, evident in Purdue’s athletics department. Under his leadership, Purdue’s basketball team reached the national championship game, with many athletes achieving academic honors.
“Every great institution has its own culture,” Chiang said, expressing his eagerness to learn about Northwestern’s unique traditions. “Our purple is proudly unique; there is no university quite like Northwestern.” His enthusiasm for joining the Northwestern community is infectious, promising an exciting future ahead.
