A $55 million gift will reshape how Cornell studies global development and the environment.
Stephen B. Ashley ’62, MBA ’64 has donated the largest gift in the history of Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, creating the Cornell CALS Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment.
The new school brings together the Department of Global Development and the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment. University leaders say the move strengthens teaching, research, and real-world impact at a time of growing global challenges.
“Steve Ashley’s decades of leadership, advocacy and support for Cornell have had a profound impact on the university,” Cornell President Michael I. Kotlikoff said. He called the gift “timely and visionary.”
A school built on collaboration
The Ashley School will focus on challenges that cut across disciplines, from climate change and food security to poverty, migration, and environmental sustainability.
Benjamin Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of CALS, said the school grew out of increasing collaboration between the two departments.
“The Ashley School will create a dynamic ecosystem for discovery, experiential learning and innovation,” Houlton said. He added that the school supports Cornell’s land-grant mission to deliver real-world benefits in New York and beyond.
The school will continue offering existing degree programs. Current students will not be affected, and no new majors or minors are being created at this time.
Investing in people and research
CALS plans to hire at least 10 new faculty members for the school. That includes three economists focused on agriculture, development, and environmental economics, with joint appointments in CALS and the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business.
Rich Stedman, a professor of natural resources and the environment, will serve as interim director. He has already begun listening sessions with faculty, staff, and graduate students to guide the school’s direction.
“Global crises like famine, migration, and biodiversity loss all require a transdisciplinary approach,” Stedman said.
A lifelong connection to Cornell
Ashley said the gift reflects his deep personal ties to the university.
“My family has had a strong, multigenerational relationship with Cornell,” he said, noting he met his wife, Janice, while studying there. He said the new school strengthens collaboration across agriculture, environmental science, economics, and research.
Ashley has served Cornell for decades, including time on the Board of Trustees and as co-chair of the Far Above capital campaign. He received Cornell’s highest alumni service honor in 2016.
University leaders say the new school positions Cornell to train future leaders and tackle sustainability challenges worldwide.
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