Dr. James Fine, a senior administrator at Columbia University's College of Dental Medicine (CDM), will step down from his administrative role effective June 30, according to a statement released May 27 from the university. The announcement follows an internal investigation into Fine's involvement in the admissions process of a former student connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Fine, who served as senior associate dean for postdoctoral academic and student affairs, was at the center of scrutiny over two separate admissions events -- a 2012 transfer admission and a 2023 application to a postgraduate program -- both involving Karyna Shuliak, Epstein's girlfriend and a beneficiary of his estate.
In its statement, Columbia said its internal investigation did not find evidence of an improper admission in the 2023 postgraduate case, concluding that the candidate met the qualifications and standards for the program. However, "separate concerns were raised regarding Dr. James Fine’s involvement during the application process given his role as a senior administrator at CDM," the statement noted.
Fine will remain as a member of the dental faculty and the director of the college's faculty practices, the statement noted. Dr. George Jenkins will be the senior associate dean for student affairs, and Dr. Philip Kang will serve as the interim associate dean for postdoctoral affairs.
In February 2026, Columbia University acknowledged that Shuliak's 2012 admission had occurred through an "irregular process" and disciplined two officials -- Drs. Thomas Magnani and Letty Moss-Salentijn -- for their roles in that admission. The university also pledged a financial contribution of $210,000 to organizations supporting survivors of sexual abuse and human trafficking, to match donations the university said it received from Epstein-related entities.
Fine appeared to play a key role in both the 2012 transfer admission of Shuliak and her 2023 acceptance into a postdoctoral program. The matter received renewed attention after a May 2026 investigative report by the Columbia Spectator detailed the extent of Fine's involvement across both admission cycles.
