Ira Katznelson Finishes Term as Interim Provost
Ira Katznelson Finishes Term as Mary Boyce Becomes Provost
Ira Katznelson is officially stepping down as Interim Provost, after a nearly two-year tenure that saw Columbia through a period of singular challenge and change. He is the Ruggles Professor of Political Science and History and Deputy Director of Columbia World Projects and will return, full time, to his work as a scholar and teacher. His successor, Columbia Engineering Dean Mary Boyce, begins her term as Provost on July 1, 2021.
A scholar of American politics and history, Katznelson served as the university’s chief academic officer throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. He was very involved in the March 2020 process that oversaw the necessary and swift closure of campus facilities and the pivot to online learning. With senior administrators, he worked to manage the institution’s finances that were under pressure, while investing in remote learning, health and safety, and support for units on campus that were suffering heavy losses. He also served as a lead communicator to the university community throughout the pandemic, sending out regular decision-making and policy updates. Most recently, working closely with University COVID director Donna Lynne, he has been guiding the reopening of the campuses.