UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin Leaving for Columbia University

MADISON, Wis. (WMDX) – UW-Madison will need a new chancellor. 

Jennifer Mnookin took over as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison in August of 2022. She’s now been named the next president of Columbia University. 

“This moment is filled with mixed emotions for me, both personally and professionally,” Mnookin said in a letter to students and staff on campus. “There is so much I love about UW-Madison and about our shared commitments – to higher education, to the Wisconsin Idea and to one another.” 

Universities of Wisconsin System President Jay Rothman thanked Mnookin for her contributions, and said he’ll name an interim chancellor soon. 

“As the flagship of the Universities of Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin–Madison has long been a prized asset for all Wisconsinites,” Rothman said in a statement. “During her tenure, Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin brought unbounded energy, resilience, and deeply thoughtful leadership to this great university.”

Columbia has had five presidents in the last four years. It’s faced controversy over pro-Palestinian protests on campus. 

Mnookin will stay on at UW-Madison through the spring semester. Her first day at Columbia is July 1. 

Ultimately, the Board of Regents will choose a permanent chancellor.