Welcoming Columbia’s Newest Faculty

Columbia’s 2026 New Faculty Meet and Greet, organized by the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement, and the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Support and Work/ Life, brought new faculty from across the University together at Faculty House in late September for an evening of conversation and connection with colleagues and University leaders. 

President Jennifer Mnookin and Provost Angela V. Olinto welcomed the University’s newest faculty members. President Mnookin reflected on their work, the possibilities for interdisciplinary collaboration, and the contributions they will make to Columbia’s broader academic mission. Provost Olinto encouraged new faculty to seek out community across the University and to take advantage of the resources available to support their teaching, research, and academic careers.

Both reflected on the opportunities ahead for the newest faculty members as they begin this next chapter of their academic careers. And they stressed the importance of building community across Columbia from the very beginning.

Guests were also treated to a surprise a cappella performance by the Columbia Kingsmen, who helped bring an energetic and celebratory spirit to the reception, including a performance of the Columbia Fight Song.

Another highlight of the evening was the “Becoming Columbia Faculty” conversation featuring Amy Hungerford, Ruth Fulton Benedict Professor of English and Comparative Literature and EVP and Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences; Jim McKiernan, John K. Lattimer Professor of Urology, CEO of ColumbiaDoctors, SVP for Clinical Affairs and interim EVP for Health and Biomedical Sciences, CEO of CUIMC, and Dean of the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons; and Alexis Abramson, Professor of Climate and Dean of the Faculty of Climate. Moderated by Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement Dima Amso, the panel explored multiple topics including opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration at Columbia. 

Dean McKiernan highlighted how unexpected collaborations can surprise faculty if they connect with colleagues and remain open to new ideas, mentioning a collaboration between faculty at CUIMC and SEAS that explored how lasers can alter the structural and chemical physics of crystalline kidney stones. 

The panel also discussed the ways AI is reshaping research, teaching, and professional practice. Dean Abramson noted that, while AI comes with both possibility and uncertainty, faculty should actively engage in dialogues about opportunities in order to bring an informed approach to their classrooms and scholarship. 

Finally, panelists reflected on lessons learned from their own experiences navigating the University as new members of the Columbia community. 

Dean Hungerford encouraged faculty to find a community, become a regular, and build meaningful connections. The conversation also offered practical advice for new faculty about building relationships, finding collaborators, and making the most of their first year at Columbia.

The evening concluded with an open reception, giving new faculty additional time to continue conversations, meet colleagues from across schools and disciplines, and begin building connections that we hope will continue throughout their time at Columbia.

Welcome, New Faculty. We wish you a productive and successful year.