Melanie Greer Huff, Journalism School Dean of Student Affairs, Dies

Melanie Greer Huff, long-time Columbia Journalism School dean, has died

Melanie Greer Huff, a fixture of the Columbia Journalism School for nearly four decades, has died, according to an email sent Tuesday by Dean Jelani Cobb to the school's community.

The news of her passing marks the loss of a staff member whose career spanned the evolution of the institution itself. As reported by the Columbia Daily Spectator, Huff’s tenure at the Journalism School lasted 39 years, beginning in 1987 when she first joined the community as an office assistant.

Her trajectory through the university was defined by a steady progression through the essential pillars of student support. Over nearly forty years, she transitioned through roles in admissions, career and academic services, and student life before ascending to her role as dean of student affairs in 2025. In that capacity, she was responsible for the oversight of the student experience, admissions processes, and career development.

“She was a beloved presence at the School, guiding generations of students and taking joy in watching them grow into accomplished journalists,” Cobb wrote. “It is difficult to imagine the Journalism School without her.”

A legacy built over nearly four decades of service

For the students and faculty at Columbia, Huff was more than an administrator; she was a constant through changing eras of journalism education. Her transition from an entry-level assistant in the late 1980s to a dean reflects a deep, institutional knowledge that is rare in modern academic settings. By overseeing both the admissions of new talent and the career development of graduating students, she occupied a unique position in the lifecycle of a journalist.

The impact of her work is felt most acutely by the demographic of aspiring reporters who relied on her guidance to navigate the transition from the classroom to the newsroom. Her role was central to ensuring that the academic rigors of the Journalism School translated into professional readiness in a rapidly shifting media landscape.

The school has indicated that it will provide further details regarding Huff’s specific contributions to the community in the coming days as part of an effort to memorialize her life. For now, the institutional response has focused on support for those grieving her loss.

Columbia University has made resources available for students navigating this loss, including:

Columbia’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS)
Barnard’s Rosemary Furman Counseling Center
The CPS clinician-on-call, available 24/7 at (212) 854-2878

Dean Cobb expressed the school’s collective grief in his communication, stating, “We extend our love and deepest condolences to Melanie’s family, friends and all those whose lives she touched.”