Dr. George Litman becomes tenth president of National-Louis University

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Thursday, July 23, 2009

Contact:       Tracy Kremer
312.261.3847
tkremer@nl.edu
www.nl.edu/news

Dr. George Litman becomes tenth president of National-Louis University

CHICAGO — Dr. George Litman, who began teaching mathematics at National-Louis University in 1991 after a successful career as a Chicago Public Schools teacher and administrator, has taken office as NLU’s president. From his original post as assistant professor, he quickly rose to senior leadership as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, deputy provost and, for the past two years, as interim provost. Litman is the tenth president in NLU’s 123-year history.

Litman succeeds Dr. Richard J. Pappas, who has been NLU’s president for four years and will soon become president of Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Mich. NLU’s Board of Trustees appointed Litman as interim president upon Pappas’ departure and during the search for a new president. 

"George has served NLU well during his eighteen-year tenure," said Richard M. Ross, Jr., chairman of NLU's Board of Trustees. "We are pleased he has accepted this appointment. The university community can benefit in new ways from his vast knowledge and instinctive leadership."

Litman came to NLU with a deep knowledge of teaching and technology. “I entered kindergarten and, throughout my career, have never really left the classroom,” he said.

As founding president of Looking Glass Learning Products, Inc., developer and distributor of learning software for K-12 schools, he was able to visit one or more public school in each of the continental United States and several in the former Soviet Union. Prior to that, he was director of computer based learning for Encyclopedia Britannica Educational Corporation. During his work as a Chicago Public Schools teacher he became an early technology adopter, finding ways to enhance curriculum and the learning process. He and his colleagues employed mainframe computers and student terminals long before the appearance of personal computers. He has taught courses online and says he continues to be impressed by the possibilities of a merger of best teaching practices and appropriate technology. Litman retains his rank as associate professor in NLU’s Department of Mathematics. He holds a B.A. and M.S. in mathematics, and an Ed.D. in educational psychology.

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve NLU in this new capacity,” said Litman. “My history with NLU and my experience as teacher, professor and administrator will serve me well. My hand is steady at the helm; my sense of direction is strong, guided by our strategic plan and the support of the NLU community.”

About National-Louis University
National-Louis University has been a force for change in American education since its founding in 1886. Known for nearly a century as the National College of Education, it is still nationally renowned today not only for its programs in teacher preparation, urban school reform and educational leadership, but as one of the first universities to address the unique needs of adult learners. NLU pioneered accelerated education for adults, and today offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the National College of Education, the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Management and Business. NLU has a flagship urban campus at 122 South Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago; campuses in Lisle, Skokie, Wheeling and Elgin, Ill.; as well as Beloit and Milwaukee, Wis.; Tampa, Fla. and Nowy Sacz, Poland.

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