""My serving as Cornell's chief legal officer was an historic first," Varner said. "I am grateful for the tremendous opportunity to partner with dedicated colleagues across the university and Board of Trustees to advance the university's mission with integrity and fidelity to its '...any person...any study' ethos. I am most appreciative to have led teams of outstanding professionals in the Office of General Counsel and the Office of the Secretary of the Corporation. I am very proud of the work that we have accomplished together.""
""Donica has provided us and countless university leaders with wise counsel, steady leadership and a deep commitment to Cornell's mission and values," they wrote. "Please join us in thanking Donica for her outstanding contributions to Cornell and wishing her every success in her next endeavors.""
"Vice President and General Counsel Donica Thomas Varner, who has played a pivotal role in the development of the university's Expressive Activity Policy and in navigating Cornell's response to executive orders and federal funding freezes, has announced plans to step down from her position effective Feb. 6, 2026."
Donica Thomas Varner will step down as Vice President and General Counsel effective Feb. 6, 2026. A national search will be conducted to identify her successor, and Debbie Hodys will serve as interim leader of the Office of General Counsel. Varner joined Cornell in July 2021 and led development of the Expressive Activity Policy while guiding the university's legal responses to executive orders and federal funding freezes. Varner served more than four consequential years, strengthening the Office of General Counsel and leading the Office of the Secretary of the Corporation. Varner was the first Black chief legal officer and expressed pride in advancing the university's founding mission.
Read at Cornell Chronicle
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