Announcing David J. Skorton, the next president of Cornell University

David Skorton, newly named 12th president of Cornell University, takes in the view at the Beck Center's Park Atrium on Cornell's campus Jan. 21.

David Skorton meets with Cornell deans and provosts at the Statler Hotel, Jan. 21.

"I'm so proud and very, very humbled to have the chance to be a part of the leadership of this great jewel of international higher education," David Skorton said at a press conference in Cornell's Beck Center, Jan. 21.

Robin Davisson, David Skorton's wife, speaks to the media, Jan. 21. Currently an associate professor at the University of Iowa, she will join the Cornell faculty with a joint appointments in Ithaca and New York City.

Peter C. Meinig, chair of the Cornell University Board of Trustees, introduces David Skorton, seated, at the Jan. 21 press conference at the Beck Center. Also seated is Diana Daniels, vice chair of the board of trustees and chair of the Presidential Search Committee.

David Skorton shakes hands with Cornell President Hunter R. Rawlings, who also served as president of the University of Iowa before being named president of Cornell.

David Skorton, left, chats with Cornell President Emeritus Frank H.T. Rhodes Jan. 21 in the Beck Center before the press conference.

"This is an emotional homecoming for us and an intellectual homecoming for us," David Skorton said at the press conference. "... Hunter Rawlings is the man who gave me my start in university administration and showed me many of the signposts along the way. So it is a homecoming in that way, as well." (Vertical high-resolution version)

Former, current and future Cornell University presidents (from left) Hunter R. Rawlings, David J. Skorton, Frank H.T. Rhodes and Dale R. Corson posed together at the Statler Hotel ballroom Jan. 21.

David J. Skorton

Photo courtesy of University of Iowa