David J. Skorton

Who is David J. Skorton?

David Jan Skorton is an American professor of medicine and engineering and an academic administrator. He presently serves as the 12th president of Cornell University, a position he has held since 2006. Before arriving at Cornell, he served as president of the University of Iowa, where he was a professor and vice president before his appointment. Skorton will become the 13th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution in July 2015.

Skorton's time as an administrator has been defined by his commitment to research integrity, fundraising, and progressive stances on issues affecting his institutions, from mental health to the Greek System. Among his accomplishments are the growth of Cornell University onto Roosevelt Island, via Cornell NYC Tech, and $4 billion in fundraising for the University.