Welcoming Columbia’s Next President

Dear SIPA Community,

I am delighted that the Columbia University Board of Trustees has appointed Jennifer L. Mnookin as the next president of Columbia University, effective July 1, 2026.

President-Designate Mnookin is a proven leader who currently serves as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she leads a flagship public research university serving more than 50,000 students. At UW-Madison, she has enhanced its enrollment, expanded the university’s research, and achieved record philanthropic support, all while championing interdisciplinary research in artificial intelligence and sustainability — areas in which SIPA is deeply engaged. Prior to joining UW, she spent nearly 17 years on the UCLA faculty, including seven years as Dean of the UCLA School of Law.

A distinguished scholar in the field of legal evidence, President-Designate Mnookin’s scholarship focuses on forensic evidence, wrongful convictions, and decision-making in the legal system. Her research on justice, evidence-based policymaking, and institutional integrity speaks to the core values we hold as a school dedicated to developing effective, ethical policy solutions. Her demonstrated commitment to rigorous inquiry and research that drives real-world impact will strengthen Columbia and align with SIPA’s role as a hub for policy-relevant scholarship.

We are deeply grateful to Acting President Claire Shipman, CC ’86, SIPA ’94, for her exceptional stewardship over the past ten months. She brought clarity, resolve, and steady leadership to the University at a pivotal moment, and I have greatly valued the opportunity to work closely with her. As a proud SIPA alumna, she has been an especially thoughtful and engaged partner to our school, and I am eager to continue our collaboration through the end of the spring.

I look forward to working closely with President-Designate Mnookin to advance SIPA’s vital mission. On behalf of the SIPA community, I extend our warmest welcome to Columbia’s next president.

Warmly,

Keren Yarhi-Milo
Dean, School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA)
Adlai E. Stevenson Professor of International Relations