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politics1d ago
Columbia University picks new president after scrutiny over mishandling campus protests
Nypost.com and 2 more
- Columbia University has named Jennifer Mnookin, the University of Wisconsin–Madison chancellor, as its next president, with a July 1, 2026 start date, signaling a planned leadership transition amid campus scrutiny.
- Mnookin brings senior leadership experience from UW–Madison and previously UCLA School of Law, underscoring her capacity to steer Columbia's research and education mission.
- Columbia conducted an extensive national search guided by trustees and faculty, emphasizing broad consultation with students, staff, alumni, and the Columbia community.
- Mnookin is portrayed as a leader who builds consensus while willing to make tough decisions during ongoing campus protests.
- Columbia's selection occurs amid ongoing scrutiny over its handling of anti-Israel protests and concerns about antisemitism on campus.
- Mnookin will assume leadership as acting president Claire Shipman transitions out in July 2026, marking a formal handoff during campus demonstrations.
- Mnookin's vision emphasizes higher education and research as vital to advancing knowledge and serving the public good.
- Mnookin's prior public positions include advocating for diversity of viewpoints and addressing systemic racism within the legal system.
- Mnookin's appointment aligns with Columbia's ongoing engagement with federal scrutiny after a notable civil rights settlement in 2023-2024.
- Mnookin has publicly supported campus debates and free speech, while cautioning against overemphasizing identity diversity at the expense of viewpoint diversity.
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