Dear Cornell College Community,

Since our last update of June 16, 2026, I am pleased to report that the Search Committee has carefully reviewed and discussed the qualifications of potential candidates to be Cornell College’s next president. As a result of this process, we have selected an initial group of candidates for virtual initial interviews. 

As a reminder of our process, we will narrow this initial group of candidates and have an additional round of interviews before selecting a small group of finalists. Representatives from the faculty, staff, students, administration and members of the Board of Trustees will meet with the finalists and provide input to the committee before the Search Committee makes a final recommendation to the Board of Trustees. 

As I mentioned in the last update, over 600 of you sent in comments and suggestions regarding the presidential search process, as well as proposing potential candidates. That response is a testament to each of our connection to and love for Cornell. Your input was important because it gave the Search Committee additional perspectives on how you view the college and, more specifically, the presidential search. Thank you for taking the time to help.

There will be another update later in the fall. In the meantime, as the warm days start to wind down, in beautiful Mt. Vernon we prepare to welcome our 174th class of incoming students, and we send wishes from the Hilltop for a beautiful end of summer to our faculty, staff, students, and our alumni–near and far.

Sincerely,
Frances Kao ’85
Chair, Presidential Search Committee