Columbia’s Next Chapter
Jennifer L. Mnookin
21ST PRESIDENT OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY | TERM COMMENCED JULY 1, 2026
President Mnookin’s vision focuses on world-class teaching and research, accessibility, and
preparing future generations to be engaged citizens. She frames Columbia as a university of
extraordinary intellectual energy, characterized by discovery across the full range of human inquiry
and a deep relationship with New York City.
Engineering for Humanity
COLUMBIA ENGINEERING — SCHOOL-LEVEL VISION
“Engineering for Humanity” serves as a touchstone
for directing endeavors and prioritizing research. It
emphasizes that solutions must help humans thrive
through cross-disciplinary collaboration and global
diversity.
Discovery in the Public
Interest
Current 2026 presidential priorities emphasize
academic freedom and rigorous research that
advances the public interest, bridging the gap
between ivory-tower scholarship and national/global
progress.
Where the University Meets the World
Columbia Global
A university-wide platform for international
engagement, student and faculty collaboration, and
leadership development across a global network of
centers.
Columbia World Projects
An institutional mechanism for turning academic
research into action, connecting scholarship with
governments, businesses, and communities.
COLUMBIA CAMPUS
↔
GLOBAL NETWORK
↔
PRACTITIONERS
↔
SOCIAL IMPACT
The Fourth Purpose: Historical Context
Historically, the “Fourth Purpose” (as formulated by President Bollinger) describes the University's direct
engagement with societal problems alongside teaching, research, and service. This concept continues to inform
modern implementation through Columbia World Projects.
