Imagine a college president stepping down after 16 years, leaving behind a legacy of growth and innovation, yet feeling a mix of emotions about the future. That’s exactly where Jonathan Brand, the outgoing president of Cornell College, finds himself today. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: his departure isn’t just about passing the torch—it’s about ensuring the college’s next chapter is as vibrant and impactful as the one he’s closing.
The story begins on a summer evening in Grinnell, Iowa, 25 years ago. Brand, then a newly appointed vice president at Grinnell College, and his wife hosted a group of RAGBRAI cyclists from Cornell College. These weren’t just any riders—they were Cornellians, known for their mascot, Ulysses the ram. Over breakfast the next morning, conversations flowed about Iowa, cycling, politics, and more. Brand recalls them as ‘social, gregarious, articulate, and accomplished.’ That encounter left a lasting impression, planting a seed of connection with Cornell’s community.
Fast forward a decade, and Brand, now president of Doane University in Nebraska, found himself crossing paths with Cornell again. One of his vice presidents was a Cornell alum, and her daughter was a current student. This reignited Brand’s admiration for the college’s culture. ‘When you take a presidency,’ he explains, ‘you look at the alumni and students and ask, Do I want to be like them? Do they feel like me? With Cornellians, I’ve always felt that alignment.’
So, when the Cornell presidency became vacant in 2010, Brand and his wife were eager to return to Iowa. They were drawn to the college’s unique one-course-at-a-time model and its picturesque hilltop campus in Mount Vernon. ‘We’re in a beautiful part of Iowa,’ Brand notes, ‘close to Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and just three hours from Chicago. It’s a fortunate location.’
But after 16 years at the helm, Brand, who turns 60 soon, is ready for new adventures. ‘My wife and I have dreams and experiences we want to pursue,’ he shares. Yet, his love for Cornell is undeniable. He’s committed to ensuring a smooth transition, even offering to stay nearby for a year after his successor takes over in 2028.
And this is the part most people miss: Brand’s decision to announce his departure a year in advance isn’t just about timing—it’s about finding the right leader to carry Cornell forward. The Board of Trustees has launched a national search for the college’s 16th president, aiming to have them in place by June 2027. ‘I wanted to give them ample time to find an incredible next president,’ Brand says, ‘which they will.’
During his tenure, Brand has overseen remarkable achievements: two successful reaccreditation cycles, over $200 million raised for academic initiatives and facilities, and the development of a new core curriculum. He’s also navigated challenges like COVID-19 and the looming enrollment cliff. But here’s the controversial part: Cornell recently announced plans to drop several majors, including French, German, Spanish, Religion, and some music programs, sparking debates about the future of liberal arts education. Is this a necessary adaptation or a loss of tradition? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Despite these headwinds, Brand remains optimistic. ‘As long as we stay relevant to our students and meet their needs, we’ll endure,’ he asserts. His positive energy is echoed by alumni and donors, who’ve helped nearly double Cornell’s endowment to over $133 million.
As the search for Brand’s successor begins, the Cornell community is poised for its next chapter. Board Chair Jan Thomas emphasizes, ‘We are ready to step forward together, guided by the values that define Cornell: curiosity, creativity, resilience, and an uncommon commitment to student success.’
What do you think? Is Cornell’s approach to leadership transition a model for other institutions? And how should colleges balance tradition with the need to adapt in today’s changing educational landscape? Share your perspective below—let’s spark a conversation!
