The role of acting president is the highest acting position at Columbia and an essential part of our university ecosystem. But for too long it’s been reserved for only the most privileged and elite individuals, completely neglecting portions of our community that deserve representation. In recent years, however, the heroic administration has taken steps to break down the walls to the acting Presidency. The fondly remembered Baroness Minouche Shafik was the first woman to become University President in 2023, and shortly after, the universally popular Dr. Katrina Armstrong became the first woman to be interim university president.
As of Friday night, yet another glass ceiling was shattered: not only did Claire Shipman become the first woman to serve as “acting” president (which is distinct from “interim” president in the sense that it is a different word), but she also represents another long-neglected community: the Board of Trustees.
The Board of Trustees gets a bad rap, but I think we can all agree that when you really look at them, they’re a pretty fun group of rich people responsible for all the decisions about campus life that we all love so much. Following their winning streak of a series of brilliant “overall governance” moves, the Board of Trustees decided to treat themselves when selecting Armstrong’s replacement by going with one of their own. Hell yeah, guys! You deserve it!
By representing the Board of Trustees, Shipman will be representing the interests of the entire Columbia community—not just the students or the faculty or the surrounding neighborhood. In fact, their opinions will barely factor into her decisions at all!
Not only is it a huge step for trustees of today, but it sets the precedent for all the young trustees out there who can finally see themselves represented in a prestigious acting leadership role. Shipman’s appointment isn’t just for us (again, not at all), but for the next generation of trustees who dream of becoming acting presidents someday. Best of luck, Acting President Shipman! Make the trustees proud!
