Mnookin to become Columbia University president
On July 1, 2026, UW–Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin will become Columbia University’s next president. Mnookin, who has served as UW–Madison’s 30th leader since August 2022, has in her tenure overseen the university’s rise in important national rankings, improved student outcomes, achieved record fundraising success, and helped make a UW–Madison education affordable and accessible for more Wisconsin students. “My time at UW–Madison has been life-changing and so much of that is attributable to the talented and deeply committed faculty, students, and staff who call our institution home, and who strive to bring the Wisconsin Idea to life,” Mnookin says. Eric M. Wilcots, currently dean of the College of Letters & Science, will assume the role of interim UW–Madison chancellor on May 17 as Chancellor Mnookin departs for her new role as president of Columbia University.
Recent news
Mnookin to assume presidency at Columbia University
Jennifer L. Mnookin, who has served as UW–Madison chancellor since August 2022, will depart for Columbia at the end of the academic year.
Leaders across the state react to Chancellor Mnookin’s departure
Institutional Statement on Diversity
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW–Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background—people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
Connect with Chancellor Mnookin on Social
Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin Follow 1,761 13,722
Congrats to @UWMadison’s Robert Radwin on being elected as a 2025 @AAAS fellow — one of the highest honors in science! His work in ergonomics is helping make workplaces safer and preventing injury — what a well-deserved recognition. 👏 https://news.wisc.edu/uw-madison-ergonomics-expert-robert-radwin-named-aaas-fellow/
Tia Nelson’s ('86) work has helped shape global conversations on sustainability & environmental stewardship — embodying the Wisconsin Idea. Proud to award her an honorary degree from @UWMadison this May recognizing a lifetime of impact & leadership.🌎
Tia Nelson, champion of environmental stewardship, to receive honorary degree from UW–Madison
Nelson, who has been instrumental in advancing local, national and global conservation efforts, will be honored on M...
news.wisc.edu
Our inaugural Pluralism in Practice workshop brought Badgers together to learn, discuss and engage around viewpoint diversity. So many insights shared, including from former U.S. Archivist & @InPursuitUSA CEO Colleen Shogan. Thanks to all who participated!
Practicing what we preach on viewpoint diversity
At the Pluralism in Practice Workshop, participants learned from leading experts and modeled ways to promote civil dialogue on campus.
news.wisc.edu
Each year, the faculty divisions honor four #UWMadison faculty with the Hilldale Award to recognize their contributions to teaching, research and service.
Congratulations to our 2026 winners: Ellen Wald, Miron Livny, Jon Pevehouse and Mimmi Fulmer!
https://news.wisc.edu/meet-the-winners-of-the-2026-hilldale-awards/