image sourced from original article at Columbia University has announced that Jennifer L. Mnookin, currently chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will become its next president in July 2026. Mnookin is a nationally recognized legal scholar with previous leadership roles at the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Virginia. Her appointment follows an extensive search process involving trustees, faculty, students, and alumni.
Mnookin is known for her commitment to academic excellence and her nuanced views on diversity in higher education, advocating for both identity and viewpoint diversity. She has also made significant administrative changes at Wisconsin, including restructuring diversity offices. Federal records indicate she has donated to several Democratic campaigns and has publicly supported the Black Lives Matter movement.
Her selection comes as Columbia University faces ongoing federal scrutiny and recent legal settlements related to discrimination claims. Mnookin's leadership is expected to guide the university through these challenges and shape its future direction.
