Columbia University

Columbia University, institution of higher education, in New York. Established in 1754 as King’s College under a charter granted by King George II of Great Britain and Ireland, the school reopened as Columbia College after the American War of Independence. Originally situated in lower Manhattan, it moved in 1897 to Morningside Heights on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Notable institutional advances occurred during the university presidencies of Frederick Augustus Porter Barnard, from 1864 to 1889, and Seth Low, from 1890 to 1901; the modern reputation of the university was established during the long tenure of Nicholas Murray Butler, from 1902 to 1945. Dwight D. Eisenhower served as university president from 1948 to 1953, before becoming president of the United States.

As well as the Morningside Heights, Columbia University has a medical centre in Washington Heights, Nevis Laboratories in Irvington, and the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades. The university's oldest division, Columbia College, offers undergraduate courses. Formerly restricted to male students, the college became co-educational in 1983. Undergraduate studies are also offered by the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science and the School of General Studies. Barnard College for women became affiliated with the university in 1889. Further affiliated colleges include the Jewish Theological Seminary, the Teachers College, and the Union Theological Seminary. There are a number of graduate and professional schools.

A board of trustees is the ultimate governing authority. The University Senate—composed of administration, faculty, alumni, and students—develops campus policy matters. The university annually awards the Pulitzer Prizes. See also Ivy League.