La Jerne Terry Cornish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
La Jerne Terry Cornish
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Cornish in 2020
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| 10th President of Ithaca College | |
| Assumed office March 7, 2022 Interim: August 30, 2021 – March 6, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Shirley Collado |
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La Jerne Terry
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| Children | 1 |
| Education | Goucher College (BA, MEd) University of Maryland, Baltimore County (PhD) |
La Jerne Terry Cornish is an important leader in education. She is currently the 10th president of Ithaca College, a well-known university. Before becoming president, she held several important roles at Ithaca College, including interim president. She also worked as a professor and leader at Goucher College.
Early Life and Learning
La Jerne Terry Cornish was born to Dolores Stokes and Joe W. Terry. She grew up with two brothers.
Cornish earned her first college degree, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English, from Goucher College in 1983. After that, she worked as a language arts teacher for public schools in Baltimore City from 1983 to 1992. She also helped lead a project called the Canton Project from 1992 to 1998.
In 1994, she earned a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree from Goucher College. Her studies focused on helping students who might be at risk of struggling in school. She continued to work in schools, becoming an assistant principal at Canton Middle School in 1998.
Cornish then went on to earn her highest degree, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), in 2005. She received this degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Career Highlights
From 1998 to 2005, Cornish taught in the education department at Goucher College. She became an assistant professor in 2005. She made history at Goucher College by being the first African American former student to earn a permanent teaching position (called tenure). She was also the first African American to lead the faculty and serve as an associate provost for undergraduate students. An associate provost helps guide the academic programs for students.
In 2018, Cornish joined Ithaca College as a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. A provost is a high-ranking leader who oversees all the academic programs and faculty at a college. She was later promoted to provost and executive vice president.
On August 30, 2021, Cornish became the interim president of Ithaca College. This means she temporarily led the college after the previous president, Shirley Collado, left. Because of her strong leadership, the college's board of trustees officially named her the 10th president on March 7, 2022. She continues to lead Ithaca College today.
Personal Life
La Jerne Terry Cornish has a son. She is married to Deborah Ptak, who is also a school administrator.
