Marquette University’s College of Business Administration has named former Northwestern Mutual chairman, president and CEO John Schlifske as an executive-in-residence, bringing nearly four decades of financial services leadership to the classroom.

In the role, Schlifske will work with students and faculty, sharing industry insights and mentoring future business leaders, a Friday announcement says.

“We are very excited to welcome John to Marquette Business,” said Keyes Dean of Business Administration Andrew DeGuire. “His deep experience, impactful leadership and unwavering commitment to ethical business practices will offer our students invaluable, real-world insight as they prepare to lead in their own careers.”

Schlifske spent 37 years at Northwestern Mutual, including nearly 15 years as chairman, president and CEO. He retired from the Milwaukee-based financial services company at the beginning of 2025.

He currently serves on the board of Kohl’s Corp. and Journey 21, an organization serving adults with intellectual disabilities. His previous board service includes Froedtert Health, Children’s Wisconsin, the Greater Milwaukee Committee and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce.

At Marquette, Schlifske will share insights from his professional journey on topics including leadership, performance management, career development and organizational culture, the announcement from the university says.

The executive-in-residence program was created to strengthen the business school’s ties with the local business community by connecting students with corporate leaders. Schlifske joins a group of executives who have held the role since the program launched in 2019.

Tim Hanley of Deloitte served as the inaugural executive-in-residence, with others following, including Linda Gorens-Levey of General Capital Group, Chris Swain of Northwestern Mutual and Mark Afable of American Family Insurance.