Search Committee Shares Results of University Community Survey

August 20, 2025

Dear members of the Columbia community:

We write to thank the many thousands of you who took the time to share your perspectives through the recent presidential search survey, which was open from June 23 through July 18, 2025. The level of engagement from across the University community is deeply appreciated—and critical to the success of this important process.

We received over 9,000 responses from a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including more than 2,600 alumni, nearly 1,900 staff members, and over 1,200 each of faculty, undergraduate students, and graduate students. Your thoughtful input is helping to shape the priorities and profile for Columbia’s next president. We are eager to share the survey results with you, and additional details are available on the Presidential Search website.

Key Priorities for the Next President

Across all groups, several consistent themes emerged regarding the most pressing issues the next president should address. They include:

  • Supporting cutting-edge research and scholarship
  • Reaffirming a strong commitment to academic freedom
  • Recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty
  • Bridging divides and building trust across the University
  • Enhancing the student experience and student relationships


In addition, faculty and staff emphasized the importance of securing resources and strengthening fundraising efforts.

Essential Leadership Qualities

Survey respondents identified the following leadership qualities as most important:

  • Moral leadership and personal integrity
  • Sound judgment and effective decision-making
  • A demonstrated concern for student well-being
  • Academic credibility and a strong commitment to the University’s mission
  • Empathy and strong listening skills


Faculty and staff further highlighted the importance of political savvy and institutional diplomacy, as well as a forward-thinking, innovative mindset.

Preferred Background and Experience

The community favors candidates with:

  • Experience leading complex organizations
  • The ability to navigate a polarized political environment
  • A deep understanding of research and scholarship


Faculty and graduate students especially valued a strong academic background.

What Defines Columbia

Finally, respondents shared reflections on what makes Columbia distinctive. The top themes were:

  • A commitment to academic excellence
  • Columbia’s deep connection to New York City and surrounding neighborhoods
  • Innovation and excellence in research

Students strongly emphasized student engagement and activism, while alumni, undergraduates, and parents prioritized Columbia’s Core Curriculum.

We are deeply grateful for the insights and engagement reflected in your responses. Together with the listening sessions we have held with multiple groups, these survey results and your voices are helping to inform the search. We remain committed to a process that reflects the many perspectives and aspirations of the entire Columbia community, and we will continue to keep you informed as the search progresses.

Sincerely,

David J. Greenwald
Co-Chair, Board of Trustees

Jeh Johnson
Co-Chair, Board of Trustees

Andrew Barth
Trustee, Co-Chair Presidential Search Committee

Jonathan Lavine
Trustee Chair Emeritus and Co-Chair, Presidential Search Committee

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Presidential Search