Presidential Search Update

Dear members of the Columbia community:

I am writing with important updates regarding the search for the next President of Columbia University.

Firstly, I am delighted to announce that Board Chair Emeritus Jonathan Lavine and current Trustee Andrew Barth have agreed to serve as Co-Chairs of the Presidential Search Committee. Current Board Vice Chairs Dean Dakolias and Victor Mendelson will also serve on the committee, along with Trustees Duchesne Drew, Adam Pritzker, Julissa Reynoso, Shirley Wang, and Alisa Amarosa Wood. I will also serve on the committee in my role as Board Chair.

I am grateful to Jonathan and Andy for agreeing to lead the committee and to the other trustees for taking on this important task and for their ongoing service to Columbia. Jonathan is a graduate of Columbia College and the recipient of a Doctor of Laws honoris causa at the 2023 University Commencement. Andy is a graduate of Columbia College and has an MBA from Columbia Business School. The other trustee members are graduates of the College, Columbia Engineering, the Law School, and the Business School and all have long records of service to the University and deep ties to our community.  

An additional three or four faculty members will be appointed to the committee and the Board is currently working to identify faculty leaders to join the committee. We will announce the full committee shortly. 

The Board intends to name a new president as soon as practicable, with the goal of the individual taking office no later than January 1, 2026.

As was shared in a previous update, the search will be shaped by input from across the Columbia community. It will be thorough, deliberate, and grounded in the values that define our institution.

Sincerely,

David Greenwald

Chair, on behalf of the Trustees of Columbia University