In an email to LSE’s student body and staff, LSE announced this afternoon that Baroness Minouche Shafik will be stepping down as LSE Director this summer. She will be taking up a new role as the President of Columbia University.
Minouche commented, “It has been one of the greatest honours of my life to play my part and serve such a passionate and dedicated community who continue to inspire, support and learn from each other. LSE is a very special place and together we have achieved a great deal to make it an even more outstanding centre for teaching, research and positive impact on the world. We have also strengthened our community during challenging times and built a campus that is truly beautiful and world class.
“I want to wholeheartedly thank everyone for being such wonderful colleagues and students – I have enjoyed every day working with all of you. I must express profound gratitude to the School Management Committee, a team I am proud to be a part of, and Council, both current and past members, for your excellent contributions, wise counsel and collaborative leadership during my tenure.”
According to the email, the process of choosing Minouche’s successor is “underway.” The email stated, “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.
Susan Liautaud, LSE’s Chair of Council also commented, “As Chair of Council and on behalf of all members, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Minouche for her exceptional leadership of LSE. I am sure that all students, staff, alumni, partners and friends will join me in expressing gratitude for all that Minouche has done for our School, and we wish her the very best for the future.”
Minouche was a postgraduate student at LSE in 1986 and joined as Director in 2017.
