Dear Cornell College Community,

Since our last update of May 11, 2026, I am pleased to report that the Search Committee has been continuing its work. My thanks to the faculty, staff, students, alumni and members of the Mount Vernon community who participated in the listening sessions on campus and the more than 600 of you who responded to the survey about what we ought to look for in our next President.

Assisted by Russell Reynolds, we have now also completed the search prospectus for Cornell College’s next president. The search prospectus can be found on the Search webpage.

We have been developing prospective candidates and doing proactive outreach to get as many qualified, interested applicants as possible. While the presidential search process is confidential in order to protect the identities of candidates who are currently holding other leadership roles, the search committee values your input and ideas over the course of the coming months. Given the importance of this role and knowing the connection that each of you has to the college, you are one of our great sources for candidates. If you have someone in mind–a classmate, a friend, a colleague or anyone else – that you think would be a great candidate for us, please let us know via email to CornellCollege@russellreynolds.com or encourage that person to go to the search website to learn more about the job and, possibly, apply for the role.

Again, I will provide you with periodic updates as the search process moves forward. You can also check in on the Search webpage any time.

As always, we so appreciate, and are thankful for, the consideration of our faculty, staff, students, and our alumni–near and far.

Sincerely,
Frances Kao ’85
Chair, Presidential Search Committee