Drew University today announced Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin as the 2023-24 Thomas H. Kean Visiting Professor.

A New York Times #1 bestselling author and world-renowned presidential historian, Goodwin will make five teaching visits to Drew’s campus in Madison, New Jersey, during the spring 2024 semester.

“We are thrilled and honored to have world-renowned scholar Doris Kearns Goodwin join our faculty this semester as a visiting professor,” said Drew University President Hilary L. Link, PhD. “This will be a fantastic learning experience for not only our students, but the entire Drew community.”

Goodwin’s visiting professorship will focus on leadership in turbulent times and offer lessons from past presidents that can provide a roadmap to leadership in any field.

In addition to her faculty role, Goodwin will also participate in two speaking events, one on Drew’s campus on February 15, and one online via Zoom/YouTube on March 14, as part of the Drew Forum speaker series. Additional details will be shared during the spring semester.

While on campus, Goodwin will take part in several other small events, meeting with students, alumni, and other members of the Drew community.

The Thomas H. Kean Visiting Professorship was established in 2008 by Thomas H. Kean, who served as President of Drew University from 1990-2005, Governor of New Jersey from 1982-90, and Chairman of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States.

Goodwin marks the first Thomas H. Kean Visiting Professor who will have an on-campus teaching presence. Past speakers have included Joe Biden, Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Newt Gingrich, Kofi Annan, John Kasich, David McCullough, Condoleeza Rice, Barbara Walters, and Ron Chernow.

The Thomas H. Kean Visiting Professorship brings an individual of exceptional national or international distinction in their field to serve as a member of Drew’s academic community and lead public programs for Drew’s local and worldwide constituencies.