Economist Nemat Shafik, or “Minush” as she is known in Britain, will take over as president of Columbia University later this year, becoming the first woman to hold the post in the university’s history.
Minush, 60, who is currently president of the London School of Economics and Political Science, is set to succeed Lee Bollinger as president of Columbia University, according to a Bloomberg report published by Al Arabiya.net.
Bollinger, who stepped down in June after more than two decades in office, welcomed her choice, saying in a statement, “If I were looking around the world for the best person to succeed me as Columbia University, I would choose Minush . Shafiq.
He added, “Her experience, personal and professional experience, and her overall outlook on academic and social life make her an inspiring choice.”
Born in the Egyptian city of Alexandria, Shafik has been head of the London School of Economics since 2017.
She has also held positions at the International Monetary Fund and the Bank of England.
At 36, Shafiq became the youngest vice president of the World Bank.
“This is a special time for higher education and today we have the opportunity to make an exceptional contribution to the world,” Shafik said at a press conference.
She added, “This is also a special time for me because I deeply share your commitment to Columbia’s mission to be a great university in the modern age.”
Minock became the Diversity and Inclusion Champion at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
He also managed major expansion and infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on improving conditions for students.
Bollinger, 76, the longest-serving Ivy League president, will stay at a New York school to teach full-time.
Bollinger played a key role in transforming part of Upper Manhattan by raising $13 billion and expanding the campus with 17 acres of new development.
