The Smithsonian Institute’s Board of Regent has named the president of Cornell University, Dr. David J. Skorton, as the 13th secretary of the Smithsonian. He will begin his post in July 2015.
Dr. Skorton is a board certified cardiologist and is also a professor in the departments of medicine and pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medical College and in the department of biomedical engineering at the College of Engineering. Before serving as president of Cornell, he was president of the University of Iowa.
In a statement, John G. Roberts, Jr., Smithsonian Chancellor and Chief Justice of the United States, said: “David Skorton has demonstrated keen vision and skilled leadership as the president of two great American universities. His character, experience and talents are an ideal match for the Smithsonian’s broad and dynamic range of interests, endeavors and aspirations. I look forward to working with David to increase the impact of an incomparable American institution across the spectrum of arts, sciences, education, and culture.”
