ITHACA, N.Y. -- Peter C. Meinig, chairman of the Cornell University Board of Trustees, issued the following statement today, June 11, to members of the Cornell community:

Fellow Cornellian:

I am writing to report to you that Jeff Lehman has informed us of his decision to step down as president of Cornell University, effective June 30, citing differences with the Board of Trustees regarding the strategy for realizing Cornell's long-term vision.

While much has been accomplished over the past two years, we believe that this decision is in the best interests of Jeff and the University and all of its constituents. The Trustees and all of the members of the University community appreciate Jeff's many contributions to Cornell over the past two years, and wish him every success as he goes on to the next stage of his career.

Hunter R. Rawlings III, president emeritus of Cornell and a current member of the faculty, has agreed to serve as interim president. Subject to approval by the Board of Trustees, his appointment will become effective July 1, and he will serve in this role until the University names a new president.

We are pleased and fortunate that Hunter has agreed to guide the University through this transition. We are also pleased that Biddy Martin will continue as Provost, a position she has held since 2000, and that Antonio M. Gotto, Jr., who has served as Provost for Medical Affairs for the past eight years, will continue in that role. Both Biddy and Tony are valued and respected members of the Cornell community. With the University's leadership in experienced and capable hands, we are looking forward to a seamless transition.

Our work to identify the 12th president of Cornell will begin promptly. As is the Cornell custom, the presidential search committee, which I will appoint shortly, will be composed of faculty, student and staff trustees, Board trustees, faculty, administrators and staff. The committee will begin its work this summer and will proceed with the goal of having a thorough and comprehensive search process completed as soon as feasible.

We are grateful, as ever, for your continued support of Cornell. We are committed to our founders' guiding principle of "Any person, any study," and to its extension into the twenty-first century. The work we have set out to do will continue unabated. Please be assured we will keep the Cornell community informed as the presidential search progresses.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of Cornell.