Bueschel Named Interim Director of MSHE Program
Andrea Conklin Bueschel began serving as interim director of the Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy (MSHE) program on Sept. 1, 2026.
Bueschel, currently a senior lecturer in the MSHE program, moves into the role as Lois Trautvetter steps down after more than three decades leading the program. Trautvetter began a year of research leave starting Sept. 1 and will officially retire in fall 2027. A search for a permanent replacement began this fall, with Bueschel helping to lead the process.
“I'm confident the program will be in excellent hands under Andrea's leadership,” Trautvetter said.
In addition to her role on the MSHE faculty, where she teaches courses in research, budgeting and finance, and policy, Bueschel runs her own consulting business providing executive coaching and advising to higher education leaders.
Her past leadership roles include senior vice president for administration and chief of staff to the president at Rutgers University, and associate provost at Northwestern. She has also served as associate vice president at the Spencer Foundation, a research scholar at the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and managing director at an educational consulting firm. Bueschel has additionally conducted program evaluations for nonprofit organizations and held various other administrative posts in higher education.
She earned her PhD in educational policy and two master's degrees — in sociology and in higher education and policy analysis — from Stanford University. She received her bachelor's degree in philosophy from Bates College, where she also served three terms as a trustee.
“We're so grateful for Andrea's willingness to help serve during a time of transition,” Trautvetter said.
About MSHE:
The Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy (MSHE) program prepares dynamic, reflective leaders for careers in higher education administration. The program serves those launching careers, people who want to move into leadership, and career changers from fields like law, business, communications, and teaching.
Taught by faculty who are often senior administrators at Northwestern and other Chicagoland institutions, the broad curriculum covers topics such as college student development, budget and finance, law and ethics, higher education policy, crisis management, assessment, and leadership coaching.
Every student completes a three-course guided master's research project that builds essential research and assessment skills, along with an internship that provides professional experience and connections.
Graduates go on to careers in academic advising, student affairs, admissions and enrollment management, alumni relations and development, study abroad, athletics administration, financial aid, institutional research, policy analysis, and more. With strong career services and the program's reputation, 90% are placed within 90 days of graduation.