Grant Cornwell, Ph.D. (b. 1956). An American educator, academic leader, and prominent advocate for liberal education. Since 2015, he has served as the 15th president of Rollins College in Florida, following an eight-year tenure as the 11th president of The College of Wooster in Ohio. [Luce Index™ score: 87]
Prior to these presidencies, Grant Cornwell was vice president and professor of philosophy at St. Lawrence University, where he also completed his undergraduate studies. Throughout his career, Cornwell has been recognized for his visionary leadership, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and dedication to strengthening the mission of liberal arts education in the United States and globally.
Grant Cornwell is widely respected for his scholarship in human rights, globalization, and liberal education. He has authored and co-edited influential works, including Global Multiculturalism: Comparative Perspectives on Ethnicity, Race, and Nation and Democratic Education in an Age of Difference: Redefining Citizenship in Higher Education.
His photo essay, Sugar Estates of St. Kitts, documents plantation heritage sites, reflecting his interdisciplinary interests. Cornwell’s academic contributions have been cited extensively, and he is a frequent speaker on the future of higher education and global citizenship.
During his presidency at Rollins College, Cornwell led transformative initiatives that elevated the institution’s selectivity, diversity, and academic rigor. Under his leadership, the college achieved a record number of applications and installed a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious liberal arts honor society. He spearheaded a successful capital campaign, oversaw the renovation of key campus facilities, and implemented a comprehensive Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI), and Belonging Strategic Plan.
These efforts have fostered a vibrant, inclusive campus culture and empowered students, faculty, and staff to reach their fullest potential. Cornwell is also credited with reimagining the curricular focus of the Crummer Graduate School of Business and expanding The Alfond Inn, a philanthropic venture supporting student scholarships.
At The College of Wooster, Cornwell established innovative centers such as the Center for Diversity and Global Engagement and the Collaborative Research Environment, which support undergraduate research and experiential learning. He was instrumental in launching APEX, a center for advising, planning, and experiential learning that integrates academic advising, career planning, and vocational discernment.
Cornwell’s leadership extends beyond campus boundaries. He has served on the boards of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and the Association of American Colleges and Universities, and contributed to the Council on Foreign Relations’ Global Literacy Advisory Board. His advocacy for non-discrimination and inclusive policies has been notable, particularly his decision to uphold Rollins College’s non-discrimination policy, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to equity and civil dialogue.
Cornwell holds a B.A. in Philosophy and Biology from St. Lawrence University and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. He has received honorary doctorates from both his alma mater and The College of Wooster, recognizing his distinguished contributions to scholarship and higher education leadership.
In April 2024, Cornwell announced his intention to retire as president of Rollins College in June 2025, concluding a decade marked by institutional growth and renewed dedication to the liberal arts mission.