Columbia Celebrates 56 Newly Tenured Faculty

At its first annual reception for newly tenured faculty, the Office of the Provost celebrated leading scholars from across the University.

October 17, 2022

A reception in Low Library recognized faculty who earned tenure in 2022, inaugurating a new Office of the Provost tradition to recognize a major career milestone.

The October 13 event gathered the newly tenured faculty, their partners and families, and senior leadership including deans and chairs, as well as the Tenure Review Advisory Committee, a central University advisory body that provides input to the Provost on whom to recommend for tenure to the Board of Trustees.

The honored faculty reflect the breadth of Columbia's academic leadership: hailing from 12 schools (plus affiliates TC and Barnard), they are leaders in fields ranging from computer science and film studies, to nutrition and education. They also reflect Columbia’s commitment to faculty diversity: four scholars were recruited as part of cluster hire programs in LGBTQ+ studies and race and racism scholarship.

In her remarks opening the evening, Mary C. Boyce, Provost and Professor of Mechanical Engineering, congratulated the faculty and recognized the landmark achievement tenure represents and how it is an opportunity for both celebration and contemplation.

“Tenure is one of those milestones when you can say, what can I do next?” said Provost Boyce. “It’s a time to reflect, and many will take a sabbatical to do that, or start a new collaboration across your own department or school. We think Columbia is a place that can nurture and support you. We value what you bring to Columbia, and we look forward to all that comes next.”