Sharing an Update on Our Leadership Structure

Dear fellow members of the Columbia community:

It has been wonderful to connect and reconnect with so many of you on campus over the past week, as we celebrate the arrival of our new students and the return of our academic community. As the new year unfolds, I am looking forward to working with each of you to fulfill the mission of our University and making the most of your experience here at Columbia.

I am writing today to share an update on several steps I am taking to strengthen our leadership structure and enhance collaboration among senior leaders, faculty, and students across the University. So many people are eager to become involved and I am deeply grateful for your willingness to engage in our collective efforts on behalf of Columbia.

To foster effective governance and collaboration, I have brought together an Executive Committee comprised of deans, senior administrators, and special advisors. This group will partner with me regularly to advance the University’s mission. Additionally, I will convene a President’s Cabinet, including members of the Executive Committee and other leaders whose work spans the University, to facilitate broader consultation and coordination.

Central to our endeavors is robust and deep engagement with our faculty, who are the heart of our academic community. I am pleased to announce that Costis Maglaras, Dean of Columbia Business School, will chair the Council of Deans, with Amy Hungerford, Executive Vice President and Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and Shih-Fu Chang, Dean of The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, serving as co-chairs. The Council of Deans, which includes all of the deans from our 17 schools, will continue to play a crucial role in shaping our academic strategies. In tandem, Provost Angela Olinto has assembled a Faculty Leadership Council from the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses, alongside a similar group at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC). These councils will provide invaluable guidance, feedback, and perspectives. Sarah Cole, Dean of the School of the Arts, will also coordinate a President’s advisory group of faculty across the University, ensuring that a broad spectrum of voices and expertise informs our thinking and decisions.

To further our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, I am pleased to announce that Dennis Mitchell will serve as my Senior Advisor for Inclusion and Belonging. Dennis will extend his impactful work as Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement across the University, and will maintain his faculty appointment at the College of Dental Medicine. We are deeply appreciative of Dennis’s over 30 years of dedicated service, including his leadership of the Office of University Life.

Melanie Bernitz, Senior Vice President for Columbia Health, will step into the role of Interim Executive Vice President for University Life. Melanie has long been a Columbia citizen and her unwavering commitment to student health and wellbeing make her an excellent fit for this role.

Shailagh Murray, Executive Vice President for Public Affairs, has been on leave since the end of the spring semester due to a family medical emergency. She recently informed us that she will not return to her EVP role. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for her leadership and dedication. She will continue in an advisory role this fall.

I am pleased to announce Franz Paasche (Columbia Law ’87) is joining my leadership team as our new Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications. Franz’s exceptional expertise and deep experience make him a perfect choice for leading our Public Affairs and Government and Community Affairs teams. We are confident in his ability to help guide us through this pivotal period. I hope you will join me in welcoming Franz back to Columbia. I also wish to express my deep appreciation to Ben Chang, Vice President for Communications, for his steadfast leadership during this transition. His dedication and support have been invaluable, and I am thrilled that he will continue to serve as a key member of our team.

As we step forward into the upcoming academic year, our newly structured leadership team is prepared and committed to strengthening and furthering Columbia’s mission of advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and promoting an inclusive community where every member can thrive. Please join us in approaching the new year with renewed energy and a shared commitment to fulfilling the incredible potential of this great University.

Sincerely,

Katrina A. Armstrong
Interim President
Columbia University in the City of New York