Cornell University has named Wake Forest University legal executive Brian White as its next vice president and general counsel.
White will begin Aug. 20 as Cornell's top legal officer after the Executive Committee of the university's Board of Trustees approved his appointment June 15.
White currently serves as vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary at Wake Forest. At Cornell, he will advise university leaders and trustees, oversee legal matters and manage offices in Ithaca and New York City with about 25 attorneys and 10 staff members.
The position has been held on an interim basis by Debbie Hodys since Donica Thomas Varner stepped down Feb. 6. Hodys is Cornell's associate vice president and deputy general counsel and secretary of Weill Cornell Medicine.
White said he plans to begin by learning about his team and strengthening connections between the legal office and university leadership. His work will include issues involving free speech, research growth and academic exploration, according to Cornell.
Before joining Wake Forest in 2023, White served as general counsel at the University of Kansas and held legal roles with University of Connecticut Health, University of Wisconsin Health and University of Iowa Health Care.
White earned his bachelor's degree and law degree from the University of Iowa.
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