Columbia College Dean Quits 2 Weeks Before Classes Start

The dean of Columbia College in New York City has abruptly resigned.     

The resignation by Michele Moody-Adams comes two weeks before classes start at the undergraduate division of Columbia University.     

She is the first female and the first black dean of the college. She was recruited in 2009 from Cornell University where she was vice provost.     

The New York Times reports that she cited administrative changes that would diminish or eliminate her authority.     

In an email to Columbia Alumni and donors on Saturday, Moody-Adams said she planned to stay through the academic year.

But on Monday, Columbia University President Lee Bollinger said in a statement that it was in the college's best interest for her to step down immediately.     

Neither Moody-Adams nor Bollinger responded to requests for comment.