Educator Jelani Cobb Named New Dean of Columbia Journalism School

The new Dean of Columbia Journalism School is Jelani Cobb. Cobb, who already holds the position as the Ira A. Lipman Professor of Journalism and Director of the Ira A. Lipman Center for Journalism and Civil and Human Rights, will officially take on the new role as dean on August 1, 2022.

The announcement came from Lee C. Bollinger, an American lawyer and educator who currently serves as the 19th president of Columbia University. Cobb not only graduated from Howard University but also received his Ph.D. in American history from Rutgers University. He is widely known for his work as a historian and phenomenal journalist. Cobb writes for The New Yorker providing in-depth analyses on subjects including electoral politics, filmmaking and stand-up comedy.

Cobb has been instrumental to the university with his continued support of journalists from diverse backgrounds by standing by them when some of the toughest stories had to be told. He teaches a course titled “Covering Race,” which examines how race in the United States can be affected by media coverage. His impact on journalism is widespread and hasn’t gone unnoticed as he is a recipient of fellowships from both Fulbright and Ford Foundations. Cobb was also honored with the Sidney Hillman Award for Opinion and Analysis Journalism, back in 2015.

Cobb's vision and forward thinking contributed heavily to his appointment as dean, where he can change the way journalism is viewed locally and globally in today’s society. Shifting in the direction led by Cobb will prepare future graduates with the tools needed to grow in a forever-changing world of journalism.

During the announcement of Cobb as Dean, Bollinger stated that he was “grateful to the members of the search committee for their careful and tireless work throughout the selection process and that everyone is delighted with this outcome and looking forward to seeing how as Dean, Cobb will shape the future of journalism education.”