Ronald Seeber is appointed Cornell vice provost for land grant affairs

Ronald Seeber
Seeber

Ronald Seeber, Cornell University professor and associate dean in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) and co-director of the ILR School's Institute on Conflict Resolution, has been named to the position of Cornell vice provost for land grant affairs, Provost Biddy Martin has announced. The half-time position, which Seeber will combine with his current duties, becomes effective Aug. 15 and will extend through June 30, 2010.

Seeber succeeds Francille Firebaugh, who retired as vice provost and special assistant to the president June 30. Firebaugh, who previously served as director of special projects in the Office of the President and dean of the College of Human Ecology, from 1988 to 1999, is now serving as a senior consultant to the provost.

"Ron Seeber has served the university with distinction in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. I am delighted that he has agreed to apply his extensive experience and considerable knowledge to the position of vice provost for land grant affairs," said Martin. "The land-grant mission is central to the heart of this institution. In his new position, Ron will build upon the invaluable contributions of Francille Firebaugh, who has served with distinction in this role for five years."

As vice provost for land grant affairs, Seeber will interpret and lead Cornell's land-grant mission in New York state. He will maintain working relationships with the State University of New York (SUNY) and the State University Construction Fund (SUCF), while respecting the complex missions of Cornell's contract colleges and supporting the contract colleges in their relationship with the state. He also will encourage and supervise the efforts of the university's associate provost for outreach to broaden the already extensive outreach programs at Cornell.

"I am excited about the opportunities presented by this appointment," said Seeber. "I look forward to working with Provost Martin to help shape a more dynamic definition of the contemporary land-grant university. I believe it is critically important for Cornell to fully realize its potential as a critical asset to the future of the state of New York. I have observed with great admiration Vice Provost Firebaugh's tireless work in this position, and I hope to be able to successfully continue her efforts."Seeber first came to Cornell in 1980 as an assistant professor at the ILR School, and he has taught a wide range of courses, all related to collective bargaining, negotiations and dispute resolution. He has served as an associate dean of the ILR School since 1987, and he also was the director of ILR Extension from 1987 to 2000. He helped to found (with David Lipsky, former dean of the ILR School) the Institute on Conflict Resolution at the school in 1997, and he continues as the institute's co-director.

His current research interests focus on systems of dispute resolution in the workplace, employment arbitration and alternative dispute resolution.

Seeber earned his B.S. degree in industrial engineering at Iowa State University in 1975, and his A.M. degree, in 1977, and his Ph.D., in 1980, both in industrial and labor relations, at the University of Illinois.

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