Cornell College has hired Daniel Prosterman as the college’s new provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. The Tennessee native comes to Cornell with more than 20 years of experience in higher education.
“I think Cornell has an impressive history in enhancing the lives of its students, and I’m excited to continue that work as I begin my career at Cornell,” Prosterman said.
Prosterman received his bachelor’s in journalism from Northwestern University in Illinois and his Ph.D. in history from New York University. Most recently, he served as the interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Mount Saint Mary’s University in California. Before that, he spent a large part of his academic career at Salem College, a women’s college in North Carolina, as a history professor and administrator.
At Salem, he led the first-year seminar program, directed the general education program, and started the college’s program in race and ethnicity studies. He was promoted to vice president for Academic and Student Affairs and dean of the college. When he left the institution, he was also named faculty emeritus.
“Given Dr. Daniel Prosterman’s background and experience, we are extremely fortunate to have him at the academic helm,” said President Jonathan Brand. “He brings a clear vision for academic excellence, a collaborative spirit, and a strong understanding of the evolving landscape of higher education as we chart a promising future.”
Prosterman, who arrives on campus on March 16, says his primary leadership style is one of empathy, communication, and collaboration. He’s looking forward to working with Cornell’s Ingenuity curriculum and the One Course At A Time calendar. He says the ability of liberal arts colleges to distinguish themselves from one another is vital for success.
“The block plan and the ethos of student support and success that it embodies are critical to making Cornell stand out among other peer institutions both regionally and nationally,” Prosterman said. “I think it continues to provide Cornell, its faculty, and its students with opportunities they simply can’t have at any other school for innovative, creative learning, both in and out of the classroom. The block plan is a fascinating curricular model that is needed now more than ever, providing students with enriching opportunities that will drive their future success.”
Prosterman will move to the area with his wife, Megan E. Bryant, and two sons. Their daughter just started her college career in Massachusetts. Fun fact about the new provost? He’s the author of a scholarly book, “Defining Democracy: Electoral Reform and the Struggle for Power in New York City” (Oxford University Press), and the co-author, alongside his wife, of the four-volume children’s series “Citizen Baby” (Penguin/Random House).