PayPal alum Franz Paasche joins Columbia University to lead public affairs
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Franz Paasche posing for a headshot. Photo: Columbia University
PayPal alum Franz Paasche has joined Columbia University as executive vice president for public affairs and communications.
Why it matters: Columbia has been at the center of the free speech vs hate speech controversy sparked by ongoing campus protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- In August, Columbia University president Minouche Shafik resigned following her handling of the protests. She is the third Ivy League president to step down amid the increased scrutiny being placed on higher education.
- Three other Columbia administrators also resigned earlier this month over text messages that "touched on ancient antisemitic tropes," as Shafik put it.
The big picture: Confidence in higher education is at an all time low, and the institutions face continued political backlash due to diversity, equity and inclusion programs, student loan debt and the high cost of admission, free speech and campus safety.
- To help manage and navigate these challenges, many universities and colleges have invested more in their communications and government affairs efforts.
Zoom in: Paasche — a graduate of Columbia Law School — will oversee communications, government and community affairs on behalf of the university.
- He will report to interim president Katrina A. Armstrong and will work closely with university spokesperson, Ben Chang.
Context: Prior to joining Columbia, Paasche served as chief corporate affairs officer of PayPal, where he oversaw communications, employee engagement, reputation management, strategic research, public affairs, social impact, sustainability and strategic partnerships teams.
- Earlier in his career, he led external communications for McKinsey & Company.
What they're saying: "Franz was a remarkable candidate whose expertise and readiness allowed him to step into this role immediately,"Armstrong wrote in a note to employees obtained by Axios.
- "We are fortunate to have him join us and are confident that with his experience and perspective, he will help to lead us forward during this consequential time for our University," she added.
What we're watching: More protests and student activism are expected as school resumes this fall.
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