1787

1787 in Columbia history:

• The period of public oversight by the New York State Board of Regents ends, as Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and New York City mayor James Duane argue for privatization. Columbia College is granted a new charter, giving power to a private board of trustees.
• William Samuel Johnson becomes the first president of the rechristened and newly-private Columbia College

Preceded by 1786

History of Columbia University  1787

Succeeded by 1788