He was also the Director of the NEH We the People initiative, which funds programs, research and other activities that explore significant events and themes in US history and culture, and advance knowledge of the principles that define America.

The same year, he was appointed dean of the graduate school and director of the Institute for Philosophic Studies at the University of Dallas, and subsequently was promoted to provost.

[4] Controversy first broke out when Lindsay abruptly fired the Director of Admissions, subsequently replacing her with a candidate who had been twice rejected by the search committee.

Seid, a conservative Chicago industrialist and noted supporter of right wing causes, had previously made major donations to Shimer, albeit anonymously.

[4][7] In February 2010, despite the unanimous objections of the faculty,[5] strong opposition from the community as a whole,[5] and protests by students,[7][8] the Board of Trustees approved a wholesale rewrite by Lindsay of the school's mission statement.