David Wippman, vice provost for international relations and professor of law, will be leaving Cornell to accept a position as the 10th dean of the University of Minnesota Law School, Cornell's senior administration announced Dec. 17. Wippman's new appointment begins July 1, 2008, pending approval by Minnesota's Board of Regents.

"David is an outstanding scholar and superb colleague," said Cornell President David Skorton. "The University of Minnesota is fortunate to have David join its leadership; he will be sorely missed by all of his friends at Cornell."

Wippman served as the university's first vice provost for international relations. A leading scholar in international law and human rights, he worked to strengthen cross-college coordination in international programs at Cornell, developed strategic collaborations with key partner universities in Asia and around the world, and oversaw the operations of Cornell Abroad, the university's popular study abroad program.

"I congratulate David and wish him well in his new role," said Provost Biddy Martin. "He has distinguished himself at Cornell as a scholar, teacher and administrator, and his departure is a great loss. As vice provost for international relations, David has played a critical role in developing strategies and building relationships within Cornell and across the world. It has been wonderful working with him, and I will miss him a great deal."

Wippman said: "The decision to leave Cornell has been a hard one. For the past 15 years, I've developed close ties with colleagues from across the university, and I feel a deep and abiding affection for the law school and the university as a whole. I hope to maintain my ties to Cornell even as I take on what for me will be an exciting new challenge and a great career opportunity."

Wippman will remain at Cornell through the university's spring 2008 academic semester.