Katherine Armstrong resigned from her position as Columbia University’s time senator and made the decision to resign as the university’s chief executive.
Armstrong asserted in a statement released on Friday that her “heart is with technology, and my enthusiasm is with treatment,” but that she was honored to have led the school during an “important and demanding time.” Moving forward, I want to best assist this academy and our society.
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Armstrong has been a key figure in Columbia’s clinical and scientific leadership and is an internationally recognized expert in clinical decision-making, cancer prevention, and medical quality. She is a member of the university’s senior leadership team, including Harold and Margaret Hatch Professor and executive vice president for wellness and biological sciences.
She serves as the president and CEO of Columbia University Irving Medical Center, which includes the Mailman School of Public Health, the School of Nursing, the College of Dental Medicine, and the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. After Minouche Shafik’s resignation amid controversy over the school’s processing of college demonstrations related to the Israel-Hamas battle, Armstrong assumed the presidency until August 2024.
Her departure comes shortly after Columbia agreed to a number of scheme adjustments the Trump administration demanded in exchange for the potential restoration of$ 400 million in federal cash.
Linda McMahon, the director of education in the US, acknowledged the school’s efforts, but she has not yet confirmed whether national funding will be reinstated.
In recent days, the Trump administration has also stepped up its crackdown on pro-Palestinian engagement on schools, with immigration authorities ordering the deportation of some Columbia students who took to the streets. Both valid US residents Mahmoud Khalil and Yunseo Chung, both of whom are lawful students, are currently fighting imprisonment in court.
The board of trustees of Columbia have appointed columnist and former ABC News correspondent Claire Shipman as its operating president following Armstrong’s exit. Shipman made a statement acknowledging the” major problems” forward and pledged to work with instructors to uphold intellectual freedom while putting the necessary changes into place.
