Veterinary College Dean Michael Kotlikoff Named Provost

By ANNIE BUI, Sun Managing Editor

A previous version of this story was published on cornellsun.com on July 18, 2015.

Michael I. Kotlikoff, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, will be the University’s 16th provost, President Elizabeth Garrett announced Thursday.

Chosen “among a pool of 125 initial prospects,” Kotlikoff will assume the position August 1, according to the University. He succeeds former provost Kent Fuchs, who departed Cornell in November to serve as president of the University of Florida.

Kotlikoff received his bachelor’s and doctor of veterinary medicine degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and came to Cornell in 2000 as professor of molecular physiology, according to a University press release. From 2000 to 2007, he also served as chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences.

During his time as dean, Kotlikoff spearheaded initiatives that sought to improve various aspects of the veterinary college, including a comprehensive plan to “enhance the College of Veterinary Medicine’s programs in education,” according to the University.

In a letter addressed to faculty and staff announcing Kotlikoff’s appointment, Garrett praised his achievements in both the academic and administrative realms.

“The breadth of his insight and vision, paired with skilled leadership, have been essential to the Veterinary College’s growth, record of innovation and collaboration and academic and clinical prominence during his eight years as dean,” Garrett said. “Mike is an exceptional educator who has continued to teach and mentor undergraduate students, as well as graduate and professional students, while serving as dean.”

Kotlikoff will lead “a strategic planning process” for the University that will commence in the fall, according to Garrett. As provost, he will also be responsible for recruiting and retaining faculty and supervising the opening of Cornell Tech’s Roosevelt Island campus.

Garrett also thanked Harry Katz, former dean of the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, for his “service in the critical role of interim provost.” Katz will return as a faculty member after taking a leave this upcoming year, according to the University.

Kotlikoff said in the release that he was “deeply honored” and “enormously excited” to be chosen for the position.

“I look forward to collaborating with our talented faculty, students and staff as we work to continue developing the teaching, research and engagement missions that position Cornell among the world’s pre-eminent universities,” he said.

Prof. Lorin Warnick, ambulatory and production medicine, will serve as interim dean of the veterinary college. The search for the next veterinary college dean is expected to begin in the coming weeks, according to the University.