معرفی
Lee C. Bollinger is Columbia University's President Emeritus and Seth Low Professor of the University, holding full-time faculty status. He earned a B.S. from the University of Oregon (1968) and J.D. from Columbia Law School (1971). His career spans over five decades in academia and legal leadership, marked by transformative initiatives in higher education. As Columbia's longest-serving Ivy League president (2002–2023), he spearheaded projects like the Manhattanville campus expansion, the Columbia Climate School, and global engagement through the Columbia Global Centers. A renowned First Amendment scholar, Bollinger authored influential works on free speech and affirmative action, notably leading the landmark Grutter v. Bollinger case. His academic contributions are complemented by institutional innovations, including the Knight First Amendment Institute and the Data Science Institute. Bollinger has received prestigious awards for his advocacy in civil rights and educational equity, including the Clark Kerr Award and Alexander Hamilton Medal.
Education
- B.S., University of Oregon, 1968
- J.D., Columbia Law School, 1971
His research focuses on constitutional law, free speech, and higher education policy. He has pioneered interdisciplinary academic programs and global partnerships while championing affordability and diversity in university admissions. Bollinger’s leadership extended to infrastructure development, including award-winning sustainable buildings like the Manhattanville campus and the Vagelos Education Center at Columbia’s Medical Center. His recent writings explore the intersection of universities, free speech, and authoritarianism, reflecting his ongoing commitment to academic freedom.
Major grants and initiatives under his tenure include the Columbia World Projects and the revival of Columbia’s intercollegiate athletics program. His legacy encompasses over 10 authored/co-edited books and extensive media engagement, addressing contemporary legal and societal challenges. Bollinger currently teaches courses on free speech at Columbia Law School while maintaining roles in public policy and governance.
