Columbia Journalism School announced that Radhika Jones GSAS ‘08 will join its adjunct faculty in spring 2027. Jones will co-teach in the School’s Modern Magazine Sequence alongside Keith Gessen, the George T. Delacorte Professor in Magazine Journalism.
As magazines explore new ways to reach readers without losing what makes them distinctive, Jones brings firsthand experience leading that work. She and Gessen will explore the evolving world of magazines with students, continuing the George T. Delacorte Center for Magazine Journalism’s tradition of examining the craft and future of the industry since its founding in 1984.
"Radhika Jones is one of the most brilliant and accomplished editors of her generation,” said Gessen. “This is a terrific opportunity for our students to learn from one of the very best."
Jones led Vanity Fair from 2017 to 2025, expanding its reach across digital and social platforms, documentary film, television and podcasts. During her tenure, the magazine was recognized for its photography, design, profile writing, and political and investigative journalism.
Jones shared insights from her experience leading the publication with the CJS community in October 2024, when she joined Gessen at Pulitzer Hall for a George T. Delacorte Center for Magazine Journalism conversation about editing Vanity Fair. In spring 2027, she will continue that conversation with students.
“I am so excited to work with CJS students to explore the power and possibilities of magazine journalism. Magazine storytelling is a distinct art, combining narrative and image, character and voice, and an ability to convey a unique sensibility across multiple platforms,” said Jones. “I’ve been an addict of the genre for my whole career, and look forward to sharing my experiences not just as an editor, but also as a writer and reader. On a personal note, it’s been almost thirty years since I first walked onto Columbia’s campus as a graduate student, and I am thrilled to be returning as a member of the CJS community.”
Before joining Vanity Fair, Jones held senior editorial positions at The New York Times, TIME and The Paris Review. At TIME, she oversaw the magazine’s Person of the Year and TIME 100 franchises. She has also worked as an editor and columnist at Artforum, Bookforum, The Moscow Times and Grand Street.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in English, summa cum laude, from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in English and comparative literature from Columbia University. She has served as a judge for the Pulitzer Prizes and as a judging chair for the Windham-Campbell Prizes and the National Magazine Awards.
Now returning to Columbia University as an adjunct faculty member, Jones will bring the lessons of her wide-ranging career to the next generation of magazine journalists.
