News

Baroness Minouche Shafik to become President of Columbia University

It has been one of the greatest honours of my life to serve LSE, a passionate and dedicated community who inspire, support and learn from each other.
- Minouche Shafik
Minouche_Shafik
Baroness Minouche Shafik. Nigel Stead/ LSE

Baroness Minouche Shafik, our School’s sixteenth Director (recently renamed as President and Vice Chancellor), has confirmed that she will be stepping down in summer 2023 to take up a new position as President of Columbia University.  She will leave LSE after a six year term and will take up her new appointment in July 2023.

Minouche Shafik, said: “It has been one of the greatest honours of my life to serve LSE, a passionate and dedicated community who inspire, support and learn from each other. I have often been told by people that LSE positively changed their lives and it certainly changed mine It is a community that values rigour, debate, a global perspective and the betterment of society.  I look forward to continuing to see LSE thrive as a place that educates for global impact, delivers research for the world and develops as a School for everyone now, and in the future.” 

Susan Liautaud, Chair of LSE Council, added: "On behalf of the School I want to sincerely thank Minouche for her exceptional leadership of LSE and her tireless work to strengthen the School. With a clear focus on supporting the LSE community, enhancing student experience and teaching, delivering research excellence and strengthening our place on the global stage Minouche is leaving LSE with a clear direction and she departs with our best wishes and deepest thanks.”

The process of choosing a successor to Baroness Shafik is now underway. LSE’s Council has instructed a specialist search firm and appointed a committee to oversee the work. The process of appointing an interim President and Vice Chancellor will commence immediately.