Andrew Cordier

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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