Rollins College announces that President Grant Cornwell will retire in June 2025 after 10 years of exemplary leadership and dedicated service.
“Since 2015, we have had the exceptional good fortune to have Grant Cornwell at the helm of Rollins College,” says Rick Goings ’12H, chairman of the College’s Board of Trustees, in a statement to the Rollins community. “President Cornwell has been a passionate and innovative leader, tirelessly devoted to the College’s liberal arts mission to educate students for global citizenship and responsible leadership.”
“President Cornwell provided thoughtful and steady leadership during an era of dramatic change in higher education,” says Don Davison, vice president for academic affairs and provost. “A liberal arts education has never been more relevant, and Grant has overseen a renewed commitment to the College’s mission, strengthening our academic excellence and rigor.”
Throughout his tenure, Cornwell spearheaded numerous strategic initiatives and capital projects to enrich students’ lives and educational experiences, transforming the Rollins campus in the process.
A 1950s library building was refashioned to become Kathleen W. Rollins Hall, the College’s headquarters of applied learning and home of the newly launched Rollins Gateway, a signature program to prepare students for meaningful lives and productive careers. The state-of-the-art Lakeside Neighborhood created a new model for residential colleges that prioritizes health, wellness, and community. The Tiedtke Theatre & Dance Centre has strengthened Rollins’ role as a leader in performing arts education.
Additional milestones of the Cornwell presidency include:
- Installation of the 291st chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society in the liberal arts
- Transition of the College’s Hamilton Holt School to reorient its offerings to better meet the needs of working adults and returning students
- Reimagination of curricular focus and delivery in the Crummer Graduate School of Business
- Development and implementation of a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging strategic plan to foster inclusivity and diversity and empower students, faculty, and staff to reach their fullest potential
- Expansion of The Alfond Inn, the College’s Winter Park boutique hotel, distinguished by its philanthropic mission that directs all net operating income to scholarships for Rollins students
“Grant has transformed Rollins in ways that will be felt for years to come,” says Rollins Trustee Ted Alfond ’68 ’18H. “I have witnessed his innovative approach to unique opportunities and projects that have enhanced the College as well as the Winter Park community.”
Cornwell will remain in office until June 2025. As Rollins begins a national search for its next president, the College remains committed to building on Cornwell’s legacy and continuing its tradition of excellence in higher education. Information on the search can be found at rollins.edu/president.