Columbia picks new president from the University of Wisconsin

January 26, 2026 - 19:16

Columbia University has announced the appointment of Jennifer Mnookin as its next president, set to begin her tenure on July 1. Mnookin, a legal scholar and historian of science, currently serves as the chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a position she has held since 2022.

The selection concludes a comprehensive search process and marks a significant leadership transition for the prestigious Ivy League institution. University trustees cited Mnookin’s proven record as a collaborative leader and her deep commitment to academic excellence and rigorous inquiry as key factors in the decision.

Mnookin brings a distinguished background in both academia and law to the role. Prior to her chancellorship, she was the dean of the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law and a respected faculty member. Her scholarship focuses on evidence and scientific expertise in the legal system.

She will assume leadership at a complex moment for higher education and for Columbia itself, which has faced recent periods of campus debate and protest. In a statement, Mnookin expressed her profound honor at being chosen to lead one of the world’s great research universities, emphasizing her dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering a vibrant, respectful intellectual community.