Chicago City Wire

Julie Hoff has been named the new provost of Rush University, beginning her role in May 2025. Her appointment comes after a comprehensive nationwide search carried out by a dedicated committee. Hoff is expected to bring her notable experience and expertise to the university, supporting its growth and dedication to academic excellence, research innovation, and community service.

Hoff is a respected academic leader and clinical researcher with a focus on enhancing health care education, improving health outcomes, and addressing health disparities. "Julie Hoff’s work as an academic leader and researcher and her commitment to bettering health outcomes is tremendous addition to the Rush family,” said Robert S.D. Higgins, president and chief academic officer of Rush University.

As provost, Hoff will collaborate with the president's office on strategic planning, ensuring success in the research and education divisions of the university. An alumna of Rush University College of Nursing, she brings with her experience as a dean at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and interim chief nurse executive for OU Health. "I am honored to be joining Rush as the new provost for Rush University,” Hoff stated.

Her past roles include positions at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, the University of Arkansas Eleanor Mann School of Nursing, and Elmhurst University, where she held leadership positions. Her career has been marked by enhancing institutional growth, enriching academic infrastructure, and advancing faculty and student engagement.

Hoff's clinical research emphasizes cardiovascular health, promoting risk reduction and disease prevention. Her contributions have supported clinical practice and science, with her leading several clinical trials. She also played a key role in the initial Clinical and Translational Science initiative at the University of Illinois Chicago, where she aided in developing infrastructure to connect research with clinical practice.

Hoff's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rush University, and advanced degrees from the University of Illinois Chicago, culminating in a PhD in nursing science. She furthered her expertise with a postdoctoral fellowship in biobehavioral science.