Cornell College has launched a national search for its 16th president following current President Jonathan Brand’s announcement that he will step down from his role in June 2027 after 16 years in the role.
Mr. Brand became Cornell’s 15th president in April 2011. During his tenure, he led the Mount Vernon college through two reaccreditation cycles and raised more than $200 million for academic initiatives, facilities and enrichment programs, according to the college. Under his leadership, the institution worked toward growing its endowment to more than $200 million.
Mr. Brand oversaw the creation of a literary arts center and summer research institute, as well as construction or renovation of eight campus buildings and three athletic fields. He taught 125 students in politics classes across seven teaching blocks and participated in commencement ceremonies for more than 3,300 graduates.
“The work we have completed together — strengthening our innovative academic program, building our endowment, reducing our debt to impressively low levels, and evolving our campus offerings to meet the needs of this generation’s students — will persist as we continue to embrace change as a forward‑thinking institution,” said Jan Thomas, chair of the Cornell College Board of Trustees, in a statement.
The Board of Trustees is forming a search committee and selecting a search firm. The college plans to identify opportunities for community input and develop a search timeline, with a goal of selecting Cornell’s next president by the end of the fall 2026 semester.
