In this episode of the Inclusive Excellence Podcast, co-hosts Erin Sember-Chase and Toral Patel welcome Dr. La Jerne Terry Cornish, President of Ithaca College, to discuss her journey in higher education. From her undergraduate years at Goucher College to teaching in the Baltimore City Public Schools to now at the helm of a higher education institution, Cornish reflects on the power of authentic leadership and how her diverse experiences and identities have shaped her approach. 

Her path to leadership, however, was far from linear. As a freshman, Cornish balanced academics while caring for her mother, resulting in a 1.8 GPA and incomplete courses. Few would have predicted her rise to the presidency, but with the support of a professor who saw her potential, she persevered.

“How you start doesn’t determine how you finish,” Cornish shares. “If you fall down, just get up again. Put one foot in front of the other, and trust and believe that everything is going to be okay. Hard things are going to happen – it’s what you do when they happen that determines what’s next.” 

Now, as president, Cornish is committed to fostering a campus where students, faculty and staff feel valued and empowered to thrive. She emphasizes the critical role that belonging plays in the personal and professional success of her community.

“One of our values at Ithaca College is to be a national model for colleges committed to equity, inclusion, belonging and diversity,” she said. “We are going to continue to lean into and live our values no matter what. I need my students, my faculty and my staff to feel safe – because you are. You belong here. And I'm not going to let anyone tell any of my people that they don't belong.” 

Beyond Ithaca College, Cornish shares her passion for fostering collaboration between higher education institutions and local school districts in the greater Ithaca area. One of her key goals is to increase literacy efforts in Tompkins County by working alongside Cornell and Tompkins Cortland Community College. She envisions joint initiatives that give local students access to educational programs and resources across all three institutions. 

“I think we can play a greater role if we are conscious and intentional about it,” Cornish said. “We, Cornell, Ithaca and TC3, are all anchor institutions for the region. The community needs to hear more from us because these students will be the ones attending our universities and leading us into the future.” 

When it comes to her vision for the future, Cornish is deeply committed to accessibility and approachability. She hopes to leave behind a legacy that goes beyond traditional metrics of success.

“If I could be known as the ‘accessible president,’ that would mean a lot to me,” Cornish said. “I don’t take this role so seriously. I’m not unreachable. If someone wants to reach out and have a conversation, I want them to feel comfortable doing so. At the end of the day, I just want to be known as the accessible president.” 

To hear more about her inspiring journey, tune in to Episode 94: Insights from the Other Hill with President Cornish.