Cornell's Interim President Hunter R. Rawlings has accepted the resignation of Vanda B. McMurtry as vice president for government and community relations, effective Sept. 30. McMurtry has accepted a position as vice president for government and community affairs at the University of Pennsylvania.

Commenting on McMurtry's departure, Rawlings stated: "Van is a very talented leader and has contributed significantly over a short period of time. We wish him the very best as he pursues the next phase in his career."

Stephen Philip Johnson, a longtime member of the government relations team and currently the head of Cornell's Washington office, will assume the position of vice president for government and community relations on an interim basis. Rawlings said: "We are extremely fortunate that Steve Johnson has agreed to take this responsibility on Cornell's behalf. Steve is an able and highly experienced Cornellian who has the respect of everyone on campus and decision makers in Albany and Washington, D.C."