Shilin Liu

Shilin Liu is the Associate Dean of Executive Education and Partnerships. She oversees the School’s non-degree and executive-education programs, steers mission-aligned partnerships with universities, governments, and nonprofits, and guides the flagship Harris Social Impact Fellowship. Her work centers on creating learning opportunities that connect evidence-based policy insight with real-world challenges while fostering collaboration across the University and around the globe.

Since joining Harris, Shilin has partnered with faculty and external organizations to launch custom and open-enrollment offerings that serve students and professionals from a range of industries. She collaborates closely with admissions, career development, and alumni relations colleagues to ensure that domestic and international engagement benefits the broader Harris community.

Earlier in her career, Shilin was a general management trainee at Mars Inc. in China, rotating through sales, production, and human-resources roles. She later consulted for Save the Children in Washington, DC, supporting a global youth-employment initiative. In addition to her administrative work, Shilin is a certified professional coach (CPCC, ACC) and integrates coaching principles into program design and leadership development. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Fudan University and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy

“I love contributing to our vibrant community and helping more students (especially international students) to explore Harris and Chicago. I especially love the small, family feel of Harris and the ways in which people support each other and learn and grow with each other—from students to faculty to staff.”

Get to Know Shilin

What policy issue matters most to you?

Education. I think that education is a way for individuals to break external barriers. It’s a fundamental way that people can change their lives. I’m interested in the relationship between education and social mobility and stratification. And not just formal education, but also the continual development of one’s self.

Who do you admire?

Generally, I admire any person who pursues their goals.

What’s on your bucket list?

Many things, but definitely skydiving because it’s a whole different experience from living on the ground.

Ask Shilin About:

• Harris student organizations and activities

• Youth empowerment programs in global countries

• Networking with the international background