Andrew Cordier

Andrew Cordier, left, with his successor, William McGill in 209 Butler Library

Andrew W. Cordier was brought in from a position at the UN to serve as an acting president in the wake of the 1968 protests and Grayson Kirk's departure. In a way, the conflict management experience from the UN proved essential, as Cordier's primary task was to cool things down at the University. He simply out-listened angry demonstrators at every turn with seemingly endless patience. Once the tide receded and the Trustees found a permanent solution for the Presidency, Cordier's job was at an end. As a gesture of appreciation for Cordier's efforts, the trustees retroactively made Cordier's appointment official, making him Columbia's 15th president.

Preceded by Grayson Kirk

President of Columbia University  1969-1970

Succeeded by William J. McGill