Mnookin: “I am proud of what we have accomplished together, even in a challenging period for higher education.” Althea Dotzour
At the end of the academic year, Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin will depart UW–Madison to serve as president of Columbia University in New York City.
Since Mnookin arrived in 2022, the university has risen in national rankings, improved student outcomes, achieved record fundraising success, and helped make a UW education affordable and accessible for more Wisconsin students.
The Universities of Wisconsin plans to name an interim leader, and a search for a permanent replacement will begin later this year.
“It has been a true honor to be a part of the Wisconsin family. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, even in a challenging period for higher education,” says Mnookin.
The chancellor has overseen several new initiatives. Bucky’s Pell Pathway guarantees full financial support for Pell Grant-eligible in-state students. The Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise program guarantees scholarships and grants to cover the full in-state cost of attendance for undergraduates who are members of federally recognized Wisconsin American Indian tribes and pursuing their first degree. The Research, Innovation, and Scholarly Excellence Initiative harnesses UW–Madison’s research strengths to address artificial intelligence, environmental sustainability, and improvements to human health and well-being.
Last year, Mnookin launched the Wisconsin Exchange, which encourages students, staff, and faculty to debate ideas in ways that are respectful and constructive.
Published in the Spring 2026 issue
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