In Memoriam: Henry C. Pinkham, former dean of GSAS

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences joins the greater Columbia community in mourning the loss of Henry Pinkham, former dean, chair, and professor for nearly 50 years, who passed away suddenly in late June 2023.

Henry came to Columbia as a Ritt Assistant Professor in 1974, and returned in 1979 to join the faculty in the Department of Mathematics. Teaching linear algebra, algebraic curves, as well as Music Humanities, Henry won the Mark Van Doren Teaching Award in 1999.

Beside several turns as Chair of Mathematics in the 1980s and 2010s, he served as dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences from 2001-2010, where among his accomplishments, he focused on improving both pedagogical and research training for graduate students by securing seed funding for the GSAS Teaching Center (now part of the Center for  Teaching and Learning) increased stipends by 50% over nine years as he finalized the elimination of unfunded PhD admissions; and re-established the Alumni Association Board.

We offer our sincere condolences to Professor Pinkham’s family as well as to Columbia colleagues, students, and alumni.

A memorial service for Professor Pinkham is planned for Friday, November 17, 2023, from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm at Faculty House. RSVPs should be sent to [email protected].

Read more on the Arts and Sciences web page.