Leora Brovman Retires from Columbia Engineering

Leora Brovman, senior associate dean of undergraduate and graduate student affairs for Columbia Engineering, retired in December of 2021 after a long career of service and contribution to Columbia. 

Brovman came to Columbia from South Africa in 1977 to complete her MSW at the School of Social Work. She then went on to obtain her EdD in History and Education from Columbia Teachers College in 1982. While a graduate student, she was head resident (Graduate Hall Director) of her residence halls. 

Throughout the 80’s, she was involved in administration and student affairs for the College. After the birth of her second son—announced in the Spectator—she took time off and then returned to Columbia in 2004 as an advising dean in the Center for Student Advising for nearly seven years. In her role, she supported students and managed the transfer student population as well as special joint degree programs. 

In 2011, Brovman moved to the Engineering School where she dedicated her efforts to increasing educational, research, entrepreneurship, and global opportunities for students, including a graduate population that increased by 72%. For undergraduate students, she was instrumental in the development of the Fall Student Research Symposium to showcase student research, Summer@SEAS, and the Senior Design Expo, an annual event featuring student capstone projects that attracts a wide audience beyond Columbia.   

“Leora was an incredibly dedicated presence at Columbia Engineering whose first concern was always the student experience and student well-being while serving our whole community for more than a decade,” said Shih-Fu Chang, interim dean of Columbia Engineering. “Her warm and generous spirit will be missed, but we wish her the best in her future plans and endeavors.” 

Brovman is married to Mikhail Brovman ’81CC and has three children who also attended Columbia, Daniel ’16CC, Sarah ’11CC, MPA’16; and Ethan ’09CC.