#United States #New York #Columbia University #UW-Madison #Jennifer Mnookin

Columbia University Appoints Jennifer L. Mnookin as New President

In a significant announcement on January 25, 2026, Columbia University's Board of Trustees officially appointed Jennifer L. Mnookin, a renowned legal scholar, as the next president of the university, effective July 1, 2026. Mnookin, who is currently the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, emerged as the top candidate after an extensive national search conducted by a committee composed of trustees and faculty members. This search process incorporated valuable feedback from a wide array of stakeholders, including students, alumni, and staff, underlining the comprehensive nature of the appointment.

The co-chairs of the Board of Trustees, David J. Greenwald and Jeh C. Johnson, expressed their confidence in Mnookin’s ability to lead Columbia into the future. They stated, "Jennifer will be an exceptional leader for Columbia's future," highlighting her distinguished background and her understanding of higher education's role in advancing knowledge and the public good. They further emphasized that her leadership style involves attentive listening, consensus building, and a readiness to tackle challenging decisions – vital qualities for Columbia University as it faces the complexities of contemporary higher education.

Mnookin herself expressed excitement about taking on this pivotal role, noting Columbia's commitment to rigorous scholarship and its deep roots in New York City. She stated, "I look forward to working closely with faculty, students, and staff, and with both our local and global community of alumni and friends, to advance the University's critically important mission." This reflects her intent to nurture Columbia's educational community while ensuring its ongoing contributions to society through teaching and research.

At UW-Madison, Mnookin oversaw a flagship public research institution that serves over 50,000 students and has more than 25,000 faculty and staff across various academic disciplines. Her tenure was marked by substantial investments in faculty recruitment, research infrastructure, and a focus on interdisciplinary research initiatives, particularly in emerging fields like artificial intelligence. Additionally, she prioritized student accessibility and affordability—issues of paramount importance in today’s educational landscape.

Her leadership was instrumental in navigating the university through an uncertain funding environment, leading to increased enrollment figures, robust growth in research endeavors, and historic levels of philanthropic support. Mnookin's effective and energetic administration advanced both academic and student support systems, fostering an environment conducive to student success and academic excellence.

Claire Shipman, the Acting President of Columbia University, praised Mnookin for her inclusive, mission-driven leadership approach which has consistently earned her trust across diverse communities. She remarked, "Jennifer is an outstanding leader whose scholarship and leadership set her apart," suggesting that her ability to transition from vision to actionable plans would greatly benefit Columbia in the years to come.

Before her foundational role at UW-Madison, Mnookin had extensive involvement with the UCLA School of Law, where she served as Dean for seven years after having nearly two decades of teaching experience at UCLA and the University of Virginia. During her deanship, she successfully enhanced the school's academic profile, expanded interdisciplinary programs, led comprehensive fundraising campaigns, and was recognized for her commitment to excellence in education.

The presidential search committee, led by Andrew Barth and Jonathan Lavine, aimed to find a leader with both intellectual depth and a proven track record. They emphasized that Mnookin’s experiences reflected a profound understanding of the evolution required for research universities to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Expressing gratitude towards Acting President Claire Shipman for her capable stewardship amidst transitional challenges, the Board of Trustees noted that her leadership has positioned Columbia well for the future. With anticipation, they look ahead to Mnookin’s presidency, confident that she will guide the university through its next chapter.

As a leading scholar in legal evidence, Mnookin's research has contributed significantly to the fields of law and social science, focusing on topics such as wrongful convictions, forensic evidence, and the intersections of science and law. Her academic journey includes degrees from Harvard, Yale, and MIT, equipping her with a unique perspective on higher education's responsibilities.

Mnookin’s appointment marks a new era for Columbia University, with expectations high for innovative leadership that aligns with the institution's values and mission. Both students and faculty await her approach to addressing contemporary challenges in academia and beyond.