A Message from David H. Lissy ’87, Chair, Ithaca College Board of Trustees
Dear Ithaca College Community,
As President La Jerne Terry Cornish begins her tenure as our 10th president, the board of trustees would like to extend additional support to her in the beginning months of her presidency. To this end, and following a recommended practice in higher education, I have appointed a Presidential Transition Team who will support President Cornish in the months ahead and into the Fall semester. The team represents a cross-section of faculty, staff, and students who can bring their insights and recommendations in support of the launch of our new president into her permanent role. I have asked Odalys Diaz-Piniero, chief of staff, and Nancy Pringle, secretary to the board of trustees, to co-chair the team.
Transition Team
Co-Chairs
- Odalys Diaz-Piniero (President’s Office)
- Nancy Pringle (Board of Trustees Office)
Faculty
- Belisa Gonzalez (Faculty, H&S)
- Chrissy Guest (Faculty, Communications)
- Chris McNamara (Chair, Faculty Council; Faculty, HSHP)
- Steve TenEyck (Faculty, H&S)
- Ivy Walz (Faculty and currently Interim Dean, Music)
- John Vongas (Faculty, School of Business)
Staff
- Quincy Davidson (Philanthropy and Engagement)
- Danica Fisher (College Communications)
- Claire Gleitman (Dean, H&S)
- David Harker (Civic Engagement)
- John Morrow (Facilities Maintenance)
- Ramon Navarrete (Finance and Administration)
- Bonnie Prunty (Student Affairs and Campus Life)
- Erienne Roberts (Athletics)
- MaryAnn Taylor (President’s Office)
- Dave Weil (Information Technology, Senior Leadership Team)
Students
- Austin Ruffino ’23 (Student Governance Council)
- Kalena Yearwood ’23 (Student Trustee)
Transition Team Charge
The Presidential Transition Team is charged with the development and implementation of a transition process which will enable President Cornish to expand upon her knowledge of institutional history, culture, strengths, opportunities, and challenges facing the college. The team is advisory in nature and will not replace organizational and college governance bodies which will also be interacting with President Cornish.
The team is charged with:
- Helping to inform the development of an outreach plan for President Cornish to connect with internal members of the campus community to listen to stories, hopes, and suggestions related to the college.
- Developing a list of key external stakeholders (local leaders, state and federal representatives, alumni, donors, etc.) and planning and/or coordinating with others to introduce President Cornish to these stakeholders.
- Providing an advisory and learning support network for President Cornish.
- Regularly communicating with the board on the transition process via the team co-chairs.
The Presidential Transition Team will conduct its work beginning in April 2022 and continuing through the presidential Inauguration which will take place in Fall 2022.
I wish to extend my deepest appreciation to all members of the transition team for their willingness to serve and collaborate with the many campus constituencies during this important time at Ithaca College. You will be hearing more from the team as they get under way with their work.
David H. Lissy ’87
Chair, Ithaca College Board of Trustees