Hunter R. Rawlings III

Hunter R. Rawlings III is an American classical scholar and prominent university administrator who served as the tenth president of Cornell University. A specialist in Greek historiography, particularly the works of Thucydides, his academic career was spent primarily at the University of Colorado Boulder before his ascent to university leadership. His tenure at Cornell University was marked by significant initiatives in undergraduate education, research funding, and campus infrastructure, and he later led the Association of American Universities and served as interim president of the University of Iowa.

Early life and education

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Rawlings pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Classics. He then earned both his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Classics from Princeton University, where he studied under renowned scholars. His doctoral dissertation focused on the historical methodology of the ancient Athenian general and historian Thucydides, laying the foundation for his future academic research. This formative period at Princeton University immersed him in the rigorous study of Ancient Greek literature and historiography.

Academic career

Rawlings began his teaching career in 1970 as an assistant professor of Classics at the University of Colorado Boulder. He rose through the academic ranks, becoming a full professor and earning a reputation as a dedicated teacher and respected scholar. His research and publications centered on Greek historiography, with a particular emphasis on the narrative techniques and political thought in the History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides. He also served in various administrative roles at the University of Colorado Boulder, including chair of the Department of Classics and associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, which provided crucial experience for his future leadership positions.

Presidency of Cornell University

In 1995, Rawlings was appointed as the tenth president of Cornell University, succeeding Frank H. T. Rhodes. His presidency, which lasted until 2003, was characterized by a strong focus on enhancing the undergraduate experience and strengthening the university's financial and physical foundations. Key initiatives included the creation of the Cornell Commitment program to support student public service and leadership, a major capital campaign that raised over $1.5 billion, and significant investments in science and engineering facilities like Weill Hall. He navigated complex relationships with Cornell's statutory colleges, including the New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the Cornell University Medical College in New York City.

Post-presidency and later work

Following his presidency at Cornell University, Rawlings remained active in national higher education leadership. From 2005 to 2006, he served as the interim president of the University of Iowa, guiding the institution following the resignation of David Skorton. He then served as president of the Association of American Universities (AAU) from 2011 to 2016, advocating for federal research funding and policy issues affecting leading research universities. He returned to Cornell University as a professor of Classics and has continued to write and lecture, often on topics related to liberal arts education, the legacy of Thucydides, and the challenges facing modern research universities.

Personal life

Rawlings is married to Elizabeth Rawlings, a scholar and translator of Ancient Greek literature. The couple has three children. An avid reader and advocate for the humanities, he is known for integrating insights from classical antiquity into discussions on contemporary leadership and ethics. He maintains connections with numerous academic and cultural institutions, including the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Philosophical Society.

Category:1944 births Category:Living people Category:American classicists Category:Cornell University faculty Category:Presidents of Cornell University Category:University of Colorado Boulder faculty Category:Princeton University alumni Category:University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alumni