President at U. of Michigan to Take Top Post at Columbia
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — University of Michigan President Lee Bollinger said Wednesday that he would accept Columbia University’s offer to become its new president.
He would succeed George Rupp, who will retire next June after nine years as president of the New York City school.
Henry King, chairman of the Columbia presidential search committee, said Bollinger’s ties to the school were a plus.
Bollinger earned a law degree there in 1971, his daughter is a student at the law school and his wife, Jean, earned a master’s degree from Columbia, King said.
Bollinger, 54, has been president at the University of Michigan since 1997.
“It was very difficult for Jean and me,” Bollinger said. “I have a deep love for this institution. I am proud of what this institution has accomplished.”
King said the search group recommended Bollinger to the trustees on Monday. The trustees are meeting Saturday to act on the recommendation.
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