ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Cornell University has named a long-tenured member of the school to its highest office.

Michael Kotlikoff was elevated to the top position after its previous president, Martha Pollack, retired.

He was named interim president for a two-year term starting on July 1, 2024. After an eight month long search, Kotlikoff was appointed as president of Cornell University by the Board of Trustees.

Kotlikoff is a professor of molecular physiology, who was hired by Cornell in 2000. He was named dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007, and became the university provost in 2015. Kotlikoff was Cornell's longest serving provost. During his tenure he also served as chief budget officer and chief academic officer.

“Over the last eight months as interim president – and his 25 years on Cornell’s faculty – Mike has demonstrated the leadership and vision that the university needs right now,” said Kraig Kayser, Board of Trustees Chair. “His institutional knowledge, expertise and passion for our shared mission will continue to help him lead Cornell through a period of great uncertainty and provide much-needed continuity at a critical time.”

Kotlikoff is the University's 15th president.