Mary Loeffelholz

Mary Loeffelholz has served as dean of Cornell University's School of Continuing Education (Cornell SCE) since March 1, 2023.

A former professor of English at Northeastern University and dean of Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies, Loeffelholz also holds a position as professor in the Department of Literatures in English in Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences.

As Cornell Provost Michael I. Kotlikoff notes in his announcement remarks:

“From its earliest days, Cornell — and SCE — has been a leader in continuing education, and Mary’s credentials as a visionary thinker and strategic administrator make her an ideal fit to build upon the school’s rich academic tradition… Mary brings to SCE an impressive track record for designing and implementing innovative academic programs, guiding strategic growth in enrollment, and advancing university initiatives in support of faculty and students.”

Read more about Loeffelholz and her vision for SCE in the Cornell Chronicle.

Loeffelholz received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Stanford University and a doctorate in English and American literature from Yale University. Upon graduating in 1986, she became an assistant professor in English, women’s studies, and the Unit for Criticism and Interpretive Theory at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. In 1988, she joined the faculty at Northeastern.

Among her academic administration appointments, Loeffelholz has served at Northeastern as dean of the College of Professional Studies (2016-2021); vice provost for academic affairs (2008-16); special adviser to the president (2007-08); associate dean for the graduate school and faculty affairs in the College of Arts and Sciences (2006-07); and chair of the Department of English (2001-06).