Columbia University has appointed Claire Shipman as acting president following the resignation of interim president Katrina Armstrong. Armstrong will return to her role as CEO of Columbia’s Irving Medical Center.
Shipman, a journalist and author, has served on Columbia’s Board of Trustees since 2013 and became co-chair in 2023. She holds degrees in Russian Studies and International Affairs from Columbia.
Her appointment comes amid tensions with the Trump administration, which revoked $400 million in federal funding over concerns about campus antisemitism and student safety during protests. The university’s response has sparked debate among faculty and free speech advocates.
Shipman takes charge during a challenging time as Columbia navigates internal and external pressures. The Board of Trustees continues its search for a permanent president.
