Provost Michael Kotlikoff announced Friday that Prof. Kate Walsh MPS ’70, management, has been appointed interim dean of the School of Hotel Administration.
Walsh will serve as interim dean for two years and begins her term July 1.
Kotlikoff said he believes Walsh’s experience with responding to the needs of the Hotel School’s constituencies will enable her to serve the program well as interim dean.
“The many contributions she has made as an advocate for students, faculty, alumni and staff alike also demonstrate her understanding of the Cornell community and will distinguish her successful leadership,” Kotlikoff said in his announcement.
Walsh stressed to Cornellians that she hopes to maintain the Hotel School’s status as a leader in hospitality education as it integrates into the College of Business, which will begin operations next semester.
“I’m very drawn to supporting what we do so well at SHA in ways that act as a bridge to what we can become,” Walsh said. “It’s not about protecting SHA; it’s about enhancing and strengthening it.”
Hotel School faculty had a “significant voice” in Walsh’s appointment to the position, according to Kotlikoff.
Walsh added that, as dean, she plans to support initiatives promoting SHA research on collaboration with College of Business faculty, increasing alumni engagement and improving undergraduate education.
“My vision for the school is to maintain our role as the world leader in hospitality education, rooted in our exceptional teaching, reflected in our meaningful research and continuously enhanced based on our deep understanding of this exciting and evolving industry,” Walsh said.