Riley

Michael P. Riley Jr. has been named associate dean of alumni affairs, development and communications by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell.

Riley provides overall leadership for development and public affairs in CALS. He works closely with the college's dean, administrative leadership and faculty to determine initiatives in support of the college's academic priorities and the dean's involvement in these initiatives. He coordinates the activities of the CALS Advisory Council, manages and advances the college's relationships with its top development prospects and donors and oversees the college's alumni affairs and communications initiatives with CALS' many constituencies.

"Mike has an exceptional ability to mobilize staff and resources on behalf of the college and Cornell," said Susan A. Henry, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences. "He has developed relationships with a broad constituency within the college and the larger Cornell community. His understanding and genuine commitment to the university allow him to navigate politically charged waters with great sophistication and effectiveness."

Riley served as director of development for CALS from 1997 to 2000, and assistant dean of alumni affairs, development and communications at CALS since 2000. Key accomplishments under his leadership include the attainment of the Undergraduate Business Program campaign goal of $20 million, increasing the number of endowed chairs in CALS from 18 to 26, a yearlong centennial celebration, the redesign of the college's alumni magazine and Web site and the restructuring of the CALS Advisory Council to better capitalize on its members' expertise and insight.

"CALS is a leader in advancing Cornell's land-grant mission, as well as its priorities in the new life sciences, sustainability and the applied social sciences," Riley said. "I am excited for this opportunity to continue building essential partnerships and support for the college during the upcoming campaign with my team."

Riley earned his B.S. degree in communication at Cornell in 1987 and began working for Cornell that same year. He has held various positions in alumni affairs and development, including directorship of the annual fund at the Cornell Law School.