Who Is Jennifer Mnookin? Inside the Life and Career of Columbia University’s New President

Jennifer Mnookin has been named the next president of Columbia University

Jennifer L. Mnookin has been named the next president of Columbia University, marking a major leadership transition at one of the world’s most influential academic institutions.

She will assume the role on July 1, 2026, bringing with her a rare blend of legal scholarship, scientific training, and large-scale university leadership.

Early Life and Academic Foundations

Born in 1967 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Mnookin grew up in an intellectually rich environment shaped by academic inquiry and public service. She spent much of her childhood in California, an experience she has credited with broadening her perspective beyond traditional East Coast academic circles.

Mnookin’s education reflects an unusually interdisciplinary path. She earned her BA from Harvard University, followed by a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School, and later completed a PhD at MIT in the History and Social Study of Science and Technology. This combination of law, history, and science would later define her scholarly reputation and leadership style.

Family and Personal Background

Jennifer Mnookin is married to David Kaye, a respected legal scholar known for his work on evidence and forensic science. Their shared academic interests have placed them at the center of national conversations about science, law, and public policy. While Mnookin keeps her private life largely out of the spotlight, colleagues often describe her as grounded, analytical, and deeply committed to mentoring students and junior faculty.

A Nationally Recognized Legal Scholar

Mnookin rose to prominence as a leading authority on evidence law and forensic science. Her research critically examined the reliability of courtroom evidence, including fingerprints, DNA analysis, and expert testimony. These contributions influenced legal standards nationwide and earned her election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2020.

She held faculty positions at the University of Virginia School of Law and later at UCLA School of Law, where she served as Dean from 2015 to 2022. At UCLA, she became known for strengthening faculty recruitment, expanding interdisciplinary research, and improving institutional governance.

Executive Leadership Experience

In 2022, Mnookin was appointed Chancellor of University of Wisconsin–Madison, one of the largest public universities in the United States. There, she led initiatives focused on affordability, research growth, and public engagement, including expanded financial aid and strategic investments in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and climate science.

Why Columbia Chose Mnookin

Columbia’s trustees selected Mnookin after an extensive national search, emphasizing her ability to lead complex institutions during times of transition. Her appointment comes as Columbia seeks long-term stability, academic excellence, and renewed public trust.

With her interdisciplinary background, proven administrative record, and steady leadership style, Jennifer Mnookin is widely viewed as a president capable of guiding Columbia through its next chapter.