Study Abroad: Minouche Shafik Steps Down as President of Columbia University

Katrina Armstrong, the CEO of Columbia University Irving Medical Center will serve as the interim president.

Study in US: Minouche Shafik, president of Columbia University announced on Wednesday that she is stepping down as president effective August 14, 2024. Katrina Armstrong, the CEO of Columbia University Irving Medical Center will be serving as interim president, announced the Board of Trustees.

Shafik wrote in a letter to the Columbia community, “I have had the honor and privilege to lead this incredible institution, and I believe that—working together—we have made progress in a number of important areas. However, it has also been a period of turmoil where it has been difficult to overcome divergent views across our community. This period has taken a considerable toll on my family, as it has for others in our community. Over the summer, I have been able to reflect and have decided that my moving on at this point would best enable Columbia to traverse the challenges ahead. I am making this announcement now so that new leadership can be in place before the new term begins.”

David Greenwald and Claire Shipman, co-chairs of the Board of Trustees said, “While we are disappointed to see her leave us, we understand and respect her decision. In this difficult year, Minouche has worked, inspired, and led tirelessly. Her wisdom, empathy, and deep commitment to our community have guided us through challenges that are both unique in scale and unique to this moment.”

About new interim president

She is the CEO of Columbia University Irving Medical Center, dean of the Faculties of Health Sciences and Medicine, executive vice president for Health and Biomedical Sciences, and the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

The Trustees said, “During her career at the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, Massachusetts General hospital and now here at Columbia. Katrina has distinguished herself as a physician, investigator, teacher, and leader with a unique ability to listen actively to all voices, incorporate lessons from across disciplines, advance innovative teaching that positions learners of all backgrounds for success, and bring together teams from across communities to work together toward a common purpose. Authentic and direct, she has exhibited exemplary, values-driven leadership while managing the largest and most complex division of our University.”

While commenting on the opportunity, Dr Armstrong said, "she was excited, humbled, and “deeply honored to be called to serve as interim president of our beloved institution. Challenging times present both the opportunity and the responsibility for serious leadership to emerge from every group and individual within a community. … Never has it been more important to train leaders capable of elevating society and addressing the complexity of modern life. Columbia University has a long history of meeting the moment, and I have faith that we will do so once again.”

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