New York, NY — March 29, 2025 — Claire Shipman, a distinguished journalist and author, has been named acting president of Columbia University, effective March 28, 2025. She succeeds interim president Katrina Armstrong in this role.
A Storied Career in Journalism
Born on October 4, 1962, in Washington, D.C., Shipman is the daughter of Christie Armstrong and Morgan Enlow Shipman, a law professor at The Ohio State University. She graduated from Worthington High School in Ohio in 1980. citeturn0search9 Shipman earned a Bachelor of Arts in Russian Studies from Columbia College in 1986 and a Master of International Affairs from Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs in 1994.
Shipman’s journalism career began at CNN, where she covered the White House and spent five years in the Moscow bureau reporting on the dissolution of the Soviet Union. She later joined NBC News as a White House correspondent during the Clinton administration. In 2001, Shipman became a senior national correspondent for ABC News’ “Good Morning America,” focusing on politics, international affairs, and social issues.
An Accomplished Author and Advocate
Beyond her reporting, Shipman co-authored several New York Times bestselling books with BBC journalist Katty Kay, including “Womenomics” (2009), “The Confidence Code” (2014), and “The Confidence Code for Girls” (2018). These works explore women’s leadership and confidence, themes she continues to champion.
Leadership at Columbia University
Shipman has been actively involved with Columbia University, serving as co-chair of the Board of Trustees. Her leadership was particularly noted during the 2024 pro-Palestine protests on campus, where she played a role in the university’s response.
Personal Life
Shipman was previously married to CNN Moscow bureau chief Steve Hurst from 1991 to 1996. She later married Jay Carney, former White House Press Secretary under President Barack Obama. The couple has two children.
