Jennifer Mnookin to Lead Columbia University as New President

Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin will leave the University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison) to assume the presidency of Columbia University in New York City at the conclusion of the current academic year. Mnookin, who has been at the helm of UW–Madison since August 4, 2022, has garnered recognition as a prominent scholar in evidence law and has overseen significant growth and achievements during her tenure.

Before her role at UW–Madison, Mnookin served as the dean of the University of California, Los Angeles Law School. Under her leadership, UW–Madison has improved its national rankings, enhanced student outcomes, and achieved record-breaking fundraising milestones. “During her tenure, Chancellor Mnookin brought unbounded energy, resilience, and deeply thoughtful leadership to this great university,” stated Jay Rothman, president of the University of Wisconsin System. He added that an interim leader for UW–Madison would be named shortly, with a search for a permanent successor commencing later this year.

In her farewell remarks, Mnookin reflected on her time at UW–Madison, stating, “It has been a true honor to be a part of the Wisconsin family. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, even in a challenging period for higher education.” She expressed gratitude for the faculty, students, and staff who contributed to her experiences and emphasized her commitment to ensuring a smooth transition during her remaining time in office.

Significant Initiatives and Achievements

Mnookin has been instrumental in advancing accessibility and affordability at UW–Madison. Early in her tenure, she launched the Bucky’s Pell Pathway, a program that guarantees full financial support for Pell Grant-eligible in-state students. This initiative has benefited over 7,800 students since its inception. Additionally, she introduced the Wisconsin Tribal Education Promise, which provides scholarships to undergraduates from federally recognized Wisconsin American Indian tribes pursuing their first degree.

The university has also seen improvements in student success metrics during Mnookin’s leadership. The average “time to degree” for first-time undergraduates has decreased to 3.78 years, while the six-year graduation rate peaked at 89.5 percent. The university awarded a record 13,733 degrees in May 2025, with approximately 66 percent of undergraduates graduating debt-free.

Recognizing the need to leverage UW–Madison’s research capabilities, Mnookin initiated the Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative in early 2024. This program focuses on artificial intelligence, environmental sustainability, and improvements to human health. The initiative aims to recruit 250 new faculty members, with nearly half already hired by the end of 2025. In December 2025, UW–Madison achieved a top-five ranking in annual research expenditures, according to the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development Survey.

Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation

In February 2024, Mnookin launched the most comprehensive sustainability initiative in the university’s history, marking a commitment to research and education while making the campus a living laboratory for sustainable practices. The efforts culminated in UW–Madison achieving a gold rating in the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s Sustainability Tracking and Rating System for the first time.

To further enhance the university’s entrepreneurial spirit, Mnookin established the Wisconsin Entrepreneurship Hub in July 2025. This initiative aims to unify various entrepreneurship efforts on campus and promote innovation among students and faculty.

In response to the political climate, Mnookin has navigated challenges while maintaining a focus on academic freedom and student support. Following significant national events and proposals for federal research cuts, she worked closely with her leadership team to advocate for the university’s mission.

Throughout her tenure, Mnookin has also demonstrated a remarkable ability to foster donor relationships, resulting in over $1.6 billion raised through the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association from more than 127,000 donors. This philanthropic success has enabled substantial investment in campus projects.

As UW–Madison prepares for Mnookin’s departure, the university community reflects on her transformative leadership. “We express our deepest gratitude for Chancellor Mnookin’s tireless work and the transformative legacy she leaves at the University of Wisconsin,” said Amy B. Bogost, president of the Wisconsin Board of Regents.

Mnookin’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for UW–Madison, but her impact will resonate within the institution for years to come.