Columbia University’s interim president, Katrina Armstrong, is stepping aside and the co-chair of its board of trustees, Claire Shipman, has been named acting president, the university said in a statement on Friday.
Armstrong is returning to lead the university’s Irving Medical Center, Columbia University said, adding: “Board of trustees co-chair Claire Shipman has been appointed acting president, effective immediately, and will serve until the board completes its presidential search.”
In announcing the leadership change, David Greenwald, chair of the board of trustees, said: “Katrina has always given her heart and soul to Columbia. We appreciate her service and look forward to her continued contributions to the university.”
Shipman has served as co-chair of the board since 2023 and has been a board member since 2013. A journalist and author, she holds two degrees from Columbia.
“I assume this role with a clear understanding of the serious challenges before us and a steadfast commitment to act with urgency, integrity, and work with our faculty to advance our mission, implement needed reforms, protect our students, and uphold academic freedom and open inquiry. Columbia’s new permanent president, when that individual is selected, will conduct an appropriate review of the university’s leadership team and structure to ensure we are best positioned for the future,” Shipman said.
More details soon …
