5 things to know about UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin's departure
SABINE MARTIN
Updated
TODD D. MILEWSKI
UW-Madison chancellor Jennifer Mnookin and Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh share their thoughts on the state of college sports during Sept. 15, 2023, interview.
Mnookin started in Madison in August 2022. She replaced Rebecca Blank, who was hired as the first woman president of Northwestern University in 2022. Blank resigned from Northwestern before starting due to a cancer diagnosis, and died in 2023.
What is a highlight of Mnookin's career?
Despite budget cuts, the university has focused on expanding research, including a greater emphasis on winning grants from the Department of Defense to expand its nearly $2 billion in research. In a recent breakthrough, the university ranked among the top five universities in the country for research spending — the highest ranking the institution has earned since 2014.
She also handled some tumultuous times at UW-Madison
During Mnookin’s time at UW-Madison, she navigated waves of protest activity similar to those at other universities, including a Pro-Palestinian encampment, and widespread federal funding cuts to the university’s multi-billion research operation.
The U.S. Department of Education launched an investigation into UW-Madison and six other universities in March 2025 regarding race-based scholarships or administration of a program the department claims segregates students by race.
Who is Mnookin replacing at Columbia?
Former Columbia President Nemat Shafik resigned in August 2024 after months of campus protest activity and criticism from the White House. Two interim leaders followed — Katrina Armstrong stepped, who abruptly resigned in March 2025, and Shipman.
What happens next?
Mnookin will serve as chancellor through spring commencement. After he departure, the Universities of Wisconsin will appoint in interim chancellor.
