Columbia’s president steps aside for new leadership at embattled university

Interim president Katrina Armstrong to transfer to medical center with appointment of board of trustees co-chair Claire Shipman

Columbia University’s interim president, Katrina Armstrong, is stepping aside and the co-chair of its board of trustees, Claire Shipman, has been named acting president, the university said in a statement on Friday.

Armstrong is returning to lead the university’s Irving Medical Center, Columbia University said, adding: “Board of trustees co-chair Claire Shipman has been appointed acting president, effective immediately, and will serve until the board completes its presidential search.”