Natalie McKnight to Step Down as Dean of Boston University's College of General Studies

Her 13 years at the helm saw the school remake its academic calendar and offer BU's only first-year study abroad opportunity

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Natalie McKnight, a Victorian studies scholar and dean of the College of General Studies at Boston University for 13 years, will step down from her role at the end of June. During her tenure, McKnight oversaw a remaking of the school's academic calendar, including the introduction of a January start for incoming freshmen and expanded study abroad opportunities, such as the only BU program offering study abroad in a student's first year.

Why it matters

McKnight's departure marks the end of an era for the College of General Studies, which has undergone significant changes under her leadership. The school's transition to a January start and expanded study abroad options have been transformative for the student experience, providing more interdisciplinary and experiential learning opportunities.

The details

As dean, McKnight introduced a new academic calendar for CGS, moving the start of studies for incoming freshmen from September to January. This allowed students to spend their first semester in Boston before a summer session in London or New England. McKnight also oversaw the introduction of CGS' first-ever minor in interdisciplinary studies and a significant expansion of undergraduate research and professional internship opportunities for students.

  • McKnight will step down as dean on June 30, 2026.
  • After a year-long sabbatical, McKnight plans to return to BU to teach a course on global philosophies of happiness.

The players

Natalie McKnight

A Victorian studies scholar who has served as the dean of Boston University's College of General Studies for the past 13 years.

Gloria Waters

The University provost, who will appoint an interim dean for the 2026-2027 academic year and launch a search for a permanent CGS dean.

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What they’re saying

“It has been an incredible honor to serve as dean of CGS and to have been on the faculty here for 36 years.”

— Natalie McKnight, Dean, College of General Studies (bu.edu)

“Much has changed at CGS since I started, but our commitment to impactful interdisciplinary and experiential education has continued and grown.”

— Natalie McKnight, Dean, College of General Studies (bu.edu)

“Dean McKnight's leadership has likewise been felt at the University level, where she has been a valued partner and embodied the teamwork model of teaching and learning for which CGS is known.”

— Gloria Waters, University Provost (bu.edu)

What’s next

Waters will appoint an interim dean for the 2026-2027 academic year, and she and her successor as provost will launch the search for a permanent CGS dean.

The takeaway

McKnight's departure marks the end of an era for the College of General Studies, which has undergone significant changes under her leadership, including the introduction of a January start for incoming freshmen, expanded study abroad opportunities, and a focus on interdisciplinary and experiential learning. Her successor will have the opportunity to build on these initiatives and continue to shape the college's future.