Linda G. Mills embodies the essence of leadership rooted in resilience, innovation, and transformative impact. As the 17th President of New York University, she brings a legacy of pioneering thought and action to her role, with a clear vision that values justice, recovery, and intellectual fortitude.
Since July 1, 2023, Mills has steered NYU with an approach that combines deep academic insight with real-world implications. Her position as the Lisa Ellen Goldberg Professor of Social Work, Public Policy, and Law, alongside her foundational work at the NYU Center on Violence and Recovery, underscores her commitment to advancing the well-being of individuals and communities. A fellow of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare, Mills exemplifies scholarly excellence and dedication to societal improvement.
Mills’ background is steeped in personal history, influenced by her family’s experiences during the Holocaust. Her mother’s survival, having fled Vienna in 1939, and her great-grandmother’s tragic loss in Riga under Nazi rule, have informed her work on justice and resilience. This deeply personal legacy has been a driving force behind her commitment to studying trauma, domestic violence, and systemic bias. Her scholarship, backed by significant funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Justice, has reshaped treatment practices in domestic violence, influencing jurisdictions across the United States through her innovative restorative justice programs.
From her early days at NYU as an Associate Professor in 1999, Mills quickly rose through the ranks, achieving full professorship by 2001. In 2002, she took on the role of Vice Provost, later becoming Senior Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and University Life. Her vision continued to expand NYU’s global footprint, eventually serving as Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice Provost for Global Programs and University Life in 2012. This journey reflects her strategic foresight and unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
Mills’ academic credentials reveal a solid foundation: a Ph.D. in Health Policy from Brandeis University, an MSW from San Francisco State University, a JD from the University of California, San Francisco, and a BA from the University of California, Irvine. Her academic journey, enriched by a Pew Scholar designation, further cements her as a leader committed to both intellectual and professional integrity.
Beyond her roles in academia and administration, Mills stands out as a respected author and filmmaker. Her extensive publication record includes articles in renowned journals such as Harvard Law Review, Cornell Law Review, Journal of Experimental Criminology, and Nature: Human Behavior. Her books, published by leading academic presses, reflect her intellectual rigor and dedication to complex social issues. Mills’ documentary work has also gained wide acclaim, with her films debuting at high-profile festivals like Tribeca and reaching global audiences, including millions on ABC.
As Linda G. Mills leads New York University, she brings a perspective that blends high academic standards with a commitment to societal progress. Her journey reflects a unique blend of resilience, scholarship, and strategic thinking, embodying a legacy of leadership that drives NYU toward an impactful future.
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