Biography
Dr. Neil J. George
Chancellor

Dr. Neil J. George has been named as Webster University’s first Chancellor, an appointment that takes effect on July 1, 2009.

Dr. George was appointed to the newly created post after serving as the University’s Interim President since February 2008. As Chancellor, Dr. George will help move the University forward toward the goals of “The 2020 Vision,” which is Webster’s comprehensive strategic plan. He will provide counsel to the President and the Board on matters of educational excellence, major capital projects, fundraising, and the general development of the University.

Joining the Webster University faculty in 1972, Dr. George quickly rose through the ranks. He served three terms as Chair of the History-Political Science Department, from 1974-1982. He then was elected as Chair of Faculty, serving from 1982-1983 in that role. He became the Acting Dean of the Undergraduate College in 1982 before being named Dean and serving in that capacity until 1991. Concurrently, from 1989-1991, he also served as University Associate Provost. From 1991-1993, he was the University Academic Dean, prior to being named Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs in 1995. He performed those duties until being named Interim President in 2008.

During Dr. George’s academic leadership, the University has grown dramatically, more than doubling its enrollment and network of campuses, increasing international education opportunities, and developing numerous onsite corporate programs and partnerships. In addition, the University has advanced the integration of academic technology into the teaching and learning work of the University, and has advanced the development of online programs.

Dr. George’s academic and professional distinctions include service on the Board of Trustees of the World Affairs Council, St. Louis, and the Webster Groves/Shrewsbury Chamber of Commerce. As well, he has served as president of a number of organizations including the National Association of Institutions for Military Education Services, the Missouri Political Science Association, the International Education Consortium of Greater St. Louis, and the Council of Independent Colleges Chief Academic Officers Task Force. He sits on the boards of the St. Louis Repertory Theatre, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, and the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association.

Prior to his arrival at Webster University, he taught at King’s College and the State University of New York at Geneseo.

Dr. George’s education background includes earning a bachelor of arts degree in government from King’s College, a master of arts in international relations from Georgetown University, and a doctorate in political science from Case Western Reserve University. He also completed postdoctoral studies at Harvard University’s Institute for Education Management.