ITHACA, N.Y. -- Cornell University President Jeffrey Lehman, who assumed office July 1, announced plans to strengthen the university's outreach in key strategic areas, including government affairs, community relations and communications.

"For Cornell to continue providing leadership in teaching, research and public service, we must sustain a broad array of vibrant relationships," Lehman said. "We must extend ourselves to ensure that our friends and neighbors -- local, state, national and international -- all understand how they might participate in, and benefit from, Cornell's pursuit of its distinctive intellectual mission. And we must listen carefully, to ensure that we are good citizens within the many communities that are affected by our work on campus."

To provide enhanced attention to these vital aspects of university activity, Lehman will divide the division of university relations into two separate divisions. A vice president for government and community relations will coordinate the university's efforts to strengthen its ties to the many governmental and community organizations that have a stake in Cornell's success. And a vice president for communications and media relations will lead the activities of several departments that are responsible for ensuring that members of the public, as well as the university community, are well informed about activities at Cornell.

Lehman announced plans to conduct two national searches for the leadership positions. Francille Firebaugh, vice provost for land grant affairs and special assistant to the president, will chair the search committee in government and community relations. Robert J. Swieringa, dean of the Johnson Graduate School of Management, will chair the search committee in communications and media relations.

During the transition period, Stephen Philip Johnson, assistant vice president for government affairs, will serve as interim vice president for government and community relations. Linda Grace-Kobas, director of the Cornell News Service, will serve as interim vice president for communications and media relations. "Cornell is very fortunate to have two experienced and capable individuals who will provide strong leadership for these areas during the months ahead," said Lehman. "I also intend to draw heavily on the expertise of Charles Kruzansky, associate director of government affairs in Cornell's Albany office, and John Gutenberger, director of community relations in Ithaca."

Henrik N. Dullea, who served as vice president for university relations for 12 years, will serve as senior consultant to Lehman during the transition period.

"Hank's comprehensive knowledge of governmental affairs will be invaluable to me as we undertake these important changes," Lehman said. "I believe the experience he accumulated during 12 years of service as vice president, combined with his detailed understanding of Cornell's recent history, are terrific assets for me and for Cornell. I am confident that as we move ahead we will be able to build effectively on Hank's legacy of service to the university."

Lehman said that he expects the searches to be completed by the end of 2003.