President David J. Skorton and Provost Biddy Martin announced yesterday that Michael I. Kotlikoff, prof. and chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences, will replace Donald F. Smith as Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, effective July 1. Kotlikoff is expected to serve a five-year term.
“I am very pleased that Dr. Michael Kotlikoff will be the next dean of Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Kotlikoff brings to his new post a distinguished record of scientific achievement and administrative leadership along with a good understanding of Cornell. His leadership will enhance the college’s contributions in a complex and rapidly changing world,” Skorton stated in a press release.
According to Martin, one of Kotlikoff’s tasks as dean will be to “build bridges between the life sciences in Ithaca and the Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.”
As dean of the college, Kotlikoff will oversee the work of approximately 265 faculty, 680 staff members, 320 doctor of veterinary medicine students and 145 graduate students.
“I am deeply honored to be chosen as the dean of Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine and would like to thank Provost Martin, President Skorton, Vice Provost Stephen Kresovich and the Search Committee for their efforts on behalf of the college and their confidence in my abilities,” Kotlikoff said.