Presidential Search
In February 2026 the Board of Trustees and President Jonathan Brand announced his planned departure, and the beginning of a national search for Cornell’s 16th president. President Brand will remain with the college to assist with transition through June 2027. The Presidential Search Committee has a goal to select the new college president by year-end 2026.
On May 11 Presidential Search Committee chair, Frances Kao ’85, shared the full slate of committee members and announced the selection of Russell Reynolds as the College’s search firm partner. Community feedback about the expectations for our next leader has been solicited through in-person and virtual meetings. On May 19 email invitations went out to the wider Cornell Community to complete a leadership survey.
Information about the formation of the search committee, leadership profile, and timeline will be shared here and with the Cornell College community.
The Role
Cornell College seeks a successful and innovative leader with proven communication and collaborative strengths to engage its community by building on its many distinctive qualities and supporting its core values. The President will lead with an appreciation of Cornell College’s singular place in higher education and its high standards in teaching, scholarship, and student engagement.
Candidates should hold the credentials needed to inspire an academic community, including a terminal degree and an appreciation of teaching and scholarship.
Search Committee
Leslie Frady ’86, Trustee
Megan Goldberg, Associate Professor of American Politics
Santhi Hejeebu, Professor of Economics and Business
Frances Kao ’85, Trustee and Chair, Presidential Search Committee
Genevieve Migely, Professor of Philosophy
Jeff Meeker, Director of Athletics & Head Volleyball Coach
John McGrane ’73, Trustee
Jim Swift ’76, Trustee
Jan Thomas ’80, Trustee and Chair, Board of Trustees
Kevin Weiss ’76, Trustee
Timeline
May-June 2026
Community-wide listening sessions, survey, and development of leadership profile.
June 2026
Launch of the search.
Summer - fall 2026
Candidate recruitment and initial interviews.
Fall - winter 2026
Finalist selection and interviews, recommendations to the Board of Trustees, and approval of the President by the Board of Trustees.
If you have questions or suggestions about the search process, you can reach the committee via email at presidential-search@cornellcollege.edu.
Nominations
If you have questions or would like to share a nomination, please email cornellcollege@russellreynolds.com.
News & Updates
May 19, Presidential Search Survey
May 11, Presidential Search Update
April 17, Presidential Search Listening Sessions
Feb. 9 - Announcement of Presidential Search
Feb 9 - Message from Board Chair, Jan Thomas