Cornell University has appointed a new leader for its renowned hospitality program, tapping a veteran academic and industry expert to guide the school into its next phase.
Ceridwyn King will serve as the next Dimond Family Dean of the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration, effective July 1, university officials announced.
King joins Cornell from Purdue University, where she currently serves as associate dean for Indianapolis and strategic initiatives and holds a professorship in hospitality and tourism management. Her background includes both academic leadership and private sector experience, including roles in marketing and hospitality management.
University officials said King’s appointment reflects a continued focus on strengthening the Nolan School’s academic standing and industry connections. Leaders cited her experience in research, teaching, and external engagement as key factors in the selection.
King said she plans to build on the school’s interdisciplinary approach while deepening ties with industry partners and alumni. She emphasized a focus on preparing students for leadership roles in a rapidly evolving global hospitality sector.
She will succeed Dean Kate Walsh, who led the school for a decade and oversaw significant changes, including updates to the undergraduate curriculum, the launch of new graduate programs, and expanded engagement with alumni and industry partners.
King holds undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in marketing and hotel management from Griffith University in Australia and is recognized for her research in service management and hospitality workforce dynamics.
Officials said her leadership will play a key role in shaping the future of one of Cornell’s flagship programs as it adapts to new challenges and opportunities in the hospitality industry.
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