ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – The Cornell University Board of Trustees has picked a familiar face as its new president.

On March 21, the Board voted to appoint Michael Kotlikoff as Cornell’s 15th President. Kotlikoff has been the interim president since the retirement of President Martha Pollock in July 2024. Before that, the former professor of molecular physiology served as the school’s provost, chief budget officer, and chief academic officer.

“Over his last eight months as interim president – and his 25 years on Cornell’s faculty – Mike has demonstrated the leadership and vision the university needs right now,” said Board of Trustees Chair Craig Kayser, MBA ’84. “His institutional knowledge, expertise, and passion for our shared mission will continue to help him lead Cornell through a period of great uncertainty and provide much-needed continuity at a critical time.”

Kotlikoff joined Cornell in 2000 to build a new department in biomedical sciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine, where he was named dean in 2007.

“I’ve spent 25 wonderful years at Cornell, and serving this university is an honor and a privilege,” said Kotlikoff. “I’m committed to finishing my career here, leading an institution I love through these challenging times. As higher education across the U.S. navigates difficult political, financial, and societal headwinds, I hope to guide Cornell in ways that reflect our core principles as an institution committed to doing ‘the greatest good.'”