President’s Address to Staff

In this excerpt from his January 8, 2026, address to staff, President Kotlikoff explains why Resilient Cornell is essential to Cornell’s long-term stability and excellence. He outlines the financial realities facing the university — including rising costs, funding uncertainty, and deferred maintenance — and emphasizes the imperative to make thoughtful, strategic changes to safeguard Cornell’s core mission. By reevaluating how work is done, prioritizing what matters most, and building greater financial resilience, he said, Resilient Cornell will ensure that Cornell remains strong, adaptable, and true to its values in the face of future challenges.