ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) — Cornell has a new leader.

Michael Kotlikoff began his two-year stint Monday as interim president. Kotlikoff, who most recently served as provost since 2015, tells the Cornell Chronicle he expects a climate of political stress and contention to continue, citing the presidential election and criticisms of higher education.

“But I am confident that Cornellians will meet that moment, through civil, candid and productive discussions about what we do best as a university: what we are, and what we’re not,” Kotlikoff added.

Kotlikoff plans to retire once his temporary term ends. A search is now underway for a new provost. Martha Pollack retired Friday as Cornell’s 14th president.