Columbia University Names Jewish Scholar Jennifer Mnookin as Next President
Columbia University announced the appointment of Professor Jennifer Mnookin as its new president. Mnookin, who is Jewish, served as president of the University of Wisconsin and was one of the first to condemn the pro-Palestinian protests.
Columbia University has appointed Jennifer L. Mnookin, a prominent legal scholar and current chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as its next president. The unanimous decision by the university's Board of Trustees comes after two years of campus unrest marked by pro-Palestinian protests and allegations of antisemitism. Mnookin, who is Jewish, will assume the role on July 1, 2026, succeeding interim leadership amid ongoing challenges.
Mnookin, 58, brings extensive experience in higher education administration and legal expertise to the position. A graduate of Harvard University (A.B. in history), the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.Phil. in science, technology, and society), and Yale Law School (J.D.), she clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter early in her career.
She has specialized in evidence law, particularly the intersection of science and the courtroom, critiquing "junk science" in legal proceedings and authoring influential works on forensic evidence like fingerprint and DNA analysis.
Before her chancellorship at UW-Madison, which she has held since August 2022, Mnookin served as dean of the UCLA School of Law from 2015 to 2022, where she focused on interdisciplinary programs and diversity initiatives.
At Wisconsin, she navigated similar campus tensions, condemning the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel early on and addressing rising antisemitism and Islamophobia.
She led efforts to dismantle a pro-Palestinian encampment through mediation, emphasizing a balance between free speech and student safety.
The appointment follows the resignations of two previous Columbia presidents amid criticism over their handling of protests related to the Israel-Hamas war, which drew congressional scrutiny and highlighted divisions on campus.
Jewish student organization Hillel welcomed the news, with director Brian Cohen stating, "The last few years have undoubtedly been difficult for the Jewish and Israeli communities on campus. While challenges remain, there is a vibrant, joyful, and proud Jewish community at Columbia. I hope that President-elect Mnookin will bring the reputation, experience, and understanding we need to build on this strong foundation."
In a statement, Columbia's Board of Trustees praised Mnookin's leadership, noting her ability to foster dialogue in polarized environments.
Mnookin expressed enthusiasm for the role, saying she looks forward to guiding the university through its next chapter.
She will depart UW-Madison at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year.