Jennifer Mnookin, currently chancellor of the University of Wisconsin, has been named the next president of Columbia University, beginning in July 2026. She will be the first Jewish leader of the Ivy League school, taking the helm after a period of significant turmoil marked by pro-Palestinian protests, rapid leadership changes, and heightened concerns among Jewish students. Mnookin, a legal scholar with a reputation for promoting open inquiry and academic freedom, faces the challenge of healing a divided campus and managing Columbia's relationship with federal authorities amid ongoing investigations and settlements related to antisemitism.

Her selection follows the departures of three previous female presidents, each of whom struggled with the fallout from campus protests and federal scrutiny. Mnookin's experience at Wisconsin, where she navigated student demonstrations and denounced hate groups, is seen as valuable preparation for the complex environment at Columbia. Leaders of the campus Jewish community have expressed hope that Mnookin will bring stability and understanding to the university, building on its vibrant Jewish life while addressing the challenges ahead.