Leadership Overview
Cornell University has 10 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, academic governance, student leadership, and organizational development.
Committed to rigorous interdisciplinary research and public impact, Cornell University fosters innovation across diverse fields to address complex global challenges through academic excellence and community engagement.
Committed to rigorous interdisciplinary research and public impact, Cornell University fosters innovation across diverse fields to address complex global challenges through academic excellence and community engagement.
Leadership Roles at Cornell University
Christopher Cowen - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Christopher Cowen, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Cornell University, manages the entire fiscal health of the institution. Overseeing long-term capital planning and annual budget allocations, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures resources align with the core mission of groundbreaking research and interdisciplinary learning. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board of Trustees to maintain financial stability while supporting expansive infrastructure projects across the Ithaca campus. By optimizing endowment management and operational efficiency, Cowen directly impacts the ability of the university to fund diverse academic programs. Through rigorous oversight of institutional assets, Cowen secures the financial foundation necessary for sustained growth and academic discovery within the Ivy League framework, ultimately driving the strategic vision of the university forward.
Marisa Dolled-Filhart - President, S Council of Cornell Women (Member At Large & Mentoring Committee)
Marisa Dolled-Filhart, the President, S Council of Cornell Women (Member At Large & Mentoring Committee) at Cornell University, directs initiatives focused on professional development and alumni engagement. Overseeing the mentoring committee, the President, S Council of Cornell Women (Member At Large & Mentoring Committee) facilitates connections between current students and established professionals to foster leadership growth. This role involves organizing programs that highlight the contributions of women within the university community and across broader academic sectors. By cultivating a robust network of support, Dolled-Filhart strengthens the interdisciplinary ties that define the institution. Through active participation in council governance, Dolled-Filhart ensures that mentorship remains a central pillar of the student experience, ultimately enhancing the long-term success of the community and promoting a culture of inclusive excellence.
Yawei Zhang - President
Yawei Zhang, the President at Cornell University, architects the strategic direction for specific academic and student-led initiatives. Overseeing the integration of interdisciplinary research projects, the President ensures that academic pursuits remain aligned with the broader mission of public impact. This leadership role involves managing cross-departmental collaborations that bridge the gap between technology, business, and the humanities. By fostering an environment of innovation, Zhang drives the development of programs that address complex societal issues. Through consistent engagement with faculty and student bodies, Zhang maintains the high standards of academic rigor expected at an Ivy League institution. Ultimately, Zhang secures the operational success of these initiatives, ensuring that the university continues to lead in discovery and educational excellence on a global scale.
Emma Linscomb - President
Emma Linscomb, the President at Cornell University, manages the operational execution of specialized student-focused organizations. Overseeing the alignment of these groups with the university's commitment to public impact, the President facilitates projects that translate academic theory into practical community solutions. This leadership role involves coordinating with various departments to ensure that student initiatives receive the necessary support for successful implementation. By promoting interdisciplinary cooperation, Linscomb enhances the overall student experience and fosters a culture of discovery. Through careful planning and resource management, Linscomb drives the growth of these organizations, ensuring that every project contributes to the university's reputation for excellence. Ultimately, Linscomb secures the long-term viability of these student-led efforts, reinforcing the institution's dedication to fostering future leaders.
Hayley Assael - President - Class of 2012
Hayley Assael, the President - Class of 2012 at Cornell University, directs alumni engagement strategies to maintain strong ties between the institution and its graduates. Overseeing the communication and event planning for the class, the President - Class of 2012 ensures that alumni remain connected to the university's ongoing research and academic developments. This leadership role involves organizing reunions and fundraising efforts that support the university's mission of public impact. By facilitating a continuous dialogue between the institution and its alumni, Assael strengthens the community network that supports future students. Through strategic outreach, Assael promotes the values of interdisciplinary learning and discovery among the alumni base. Ultimately, Assael secures the enduring legacy of the class, ensuring that graduates continue to contribute to the university's success.
Luke Hollman - Founder & Co-President
Luke Hollman, the Founder & Co-President at Cornell University, architects new student-led ventures that emphasize innovation and practical application. Overseeing the development of these initiatives, the Founder & Co-President ensures that all projects align with the university's rigorous academic standards. This leadership role involves building partnerships across different colleges to foster interdisciplinary learning and discovery. By creating platforms for students to engage in real-world problem solving, Hollman drives the university's commitment to public impact. Through active management of organizational resources, Hollman ensures that these ventures remain sustainable and effective. Ultimately, Hollman secures the growth of these student-led programs, reinforcing the institution's position as a hub for leadership and creative exploration within the Ivy League.
Ellen Shpetishvili - President, Lavender Project
Ellen Shpetishvili, the President, Lavender Project at Cornell University, directs advocacy and support initiatives for the LGBTQ+ community within the institution. Overseeing the programming and outreach efforts, the President, Lavender Project ensures that the university remains a welcoming environment for all students. This leadership role involves collaborating with administrative offices to promote inclusivity and diversity in academic and social life. By facilitating educational workshops and community events, Shpetishvili fosters a culture of respect and discovery. Through strategic planning, Shpetishvili drives the mission of the project to enhance the student experience and promote social equity. Ultimately, Shpetishvili secures the success of these advocacy efforts, ensuring that the university continues to uphold its commitment to a diverse and supportive community.
Emilio Ceballos - Co President
Emilio Ceballos, the Co President at Cornell University, manages the operational and strategic functions of student-led academic organizations. Overseeing the coordination of interdisciplinary events, the Co President ensures that these groups contribute meaningfully to the university's research and learning environment. This leadership role involves working with faculty advisors to align student activities with the broader institutional goals of innovation and public impact. By fostering collaboration among diverse student groups, Ceballos drives the development of new ideas and projects. Through effective communication and resource management, Ceballos ensures that these organizations remain active and impactful. Ultimately, Ceballos secures the long-term success of these initiatives, reinforcing the university's reputation for fostering leadership and discovery among the student body.
Ahmed Abdulla - Founder & President
Ahmed Abdulla, the Founder & President at Cornell University, architects the vision for specialized research-focused student organizations. Overseeing the implementation of projects that bridge the gap between theory and practice, the Founder & President ensures that these efforts support the university's commitment to groundbreaking research. This leadership role involves managing the recruitment of talented students and coordinating with academic departments to provide necessary resources. By promoting a culture of discovery, Abdulla drives the development of innovative solutions to complex problems. Through strategic oversight, Abdulla ensures that these organizations remain aligned with the university's mission of public impact. Ultimately, Abdulla secures the growth and influence of these research initiatives, reinforcing the institution's status as a leader in academic excellence.
Kyle Velasco - Mews Hall President
Kyle Velasco, the Mews Hall President at Cornell University, directs the residential life and community-building efforts within the hall. Overseeing the planning of social and academic events, the Mews Hall President ensures that the living environment supports the university's mission of interdisciplinary learning and community engagement. This leadership role involves coordinating with residential staff to foster a supportive atmosphere for all residents. By promoting student involvement in campus life, Velasco drives the development of a cohesive and inclusive community. Through effective management of hall resources, Velasco ensures that residents have access to opportunities for personal and academic growth. Ultimately, Velasco secures the success of the residential experience, reinforcing the university's commitment to fostering a vibrant and connected student body.
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The University of Texas, Austin was founded more than 130 years ago with the goal of being a university of the first class, and has since become the flagship institution of the University of Texas System and one of the original public Ivies. UT Austin offers more than 150 undergraduate and 230 graduate programs across 18 schools and colleges. Engineering and business programs are among the most popular for undergraduates. Students have no shortage of options with over 1,300 clubs. The massive 431-acre campus houses seven museums and 15 career centers. The Longhorn Band boasts Big Bertha, the largest bass drum in the world. The campusan urban oasisis in the heart of Austin, the capital of Texas and one of the nations fastest-growing cities. Over half of the student body identifies as nonwhite, and 10% are international students. About 90% of students hail from Texas. The new Texas Advance Commitment program provides undergraduate Texas residents whose families make less than $65,000 a year with financial aid to cover the cost of tuition; residents whose families make less than $125,000 will receive some form of assured tuition support. Research is critical at Austin and starts from freshman year; the university had over $650 million in research expenditures in 2017 and nearly 800 patents since 2008. The university has produced 112 Fulbright Scholars, 31 Rhodes Scholars, 23 Marshall Scholars and 144 Olympic medalists.
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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cornell University Top Executives and Leadership Team
