Jason Koski/University Photography

Stephen Kresovich in Weill Hall, one of his projects as vice provost for life sciences.

Stephen Kresovich, Cornell's vice provost for life sciences since 2005, has been named vice president for research and graduate education at the University of South Carolina, effective Oct. 1.

A member of the Cornell faculty since 1998, Kresovich is a professor of plant breeding and genetics as well as plant biology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). He directs Cornell's Institute for Biotechnology and Life Science Technologies, Institute for Genomic Diversity, and Seed Grants for Collaborations program.

"Cornell University is a wonderful institution," Kresovich said. "I will always cherish the range of experiences and opportunities I had while working with committed faculty, staff, students and alumni across a breadth of disciplines. I'm proud of the advances we collectively have made in life sciences, and I look forward to seeing more progress at Cornell in the future."

"Steve Kresovich provided outstanding leadership during a crucial period of interdisciplinary reorganization and growth in the life sciences at Cornell. And he played an important role in the development of Cornell's programs in biofuels technologies, environmental sciences and international agriculture," said Susan A. Henry, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences. "Steve is also a valued colleague, known for his leading work as a scientist and faculty member in plant breeding and genetics. His departure represents a tremendous loss for Cornell. On a personal level, I will miss him greatly as a colleague."

As vice provost, Kresovich served as the provost's point person for the university's New Life Sciences Initiative. He helped oversee, for example, construction of Weill Hall, the $162 million life sciences building. He was also responsible for hiring new faculty, planning for new buildings, developing shared core research facilities, and supporting educational and training activities based on Cornell's investments in the life sciences.

Kresovich's internationally recognized research focuses on conservation genetics and improvement of crop plants including sorghum, maize and pearl millet, which are important food staples for millions of sub-Saharan Africans. A fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Crop Science Society of America, he has worked extensively in Africa to improve plant yield, nutritional quality and ability to survive drought and resist disease.

"Steve is an exceptional scholar and administrator," said Provost Kent Fuchs. "His extensive experience working on issues of vital importance to the university and his intellectual contributions have improved Cornell. We will miss his leadership and intellect."

With much of the New Life Sciences Initiative firmly in place, Fuchs and Robert Buhrman, senior vice provost for research, will assess the post to determine if the position's responsibilities might be managed within existing structures or if they will conduct an internal search to replace Kresovich, Fuchs said.