Frank H. T. Rhodes Class Of ‘56 University Professorship

• Frank H. T. Rhodes Class of ‘56 Professor by term
• Formal Campus Residency 2022-23

114b Day Hall
(607) 255-0832

To commemorate their 40th reunion, the Class of 1956 initiated an endowment to create the Frank H. T. Rhodes Class of ‘56 University Professorship in honor of Cornell’s ninth president (1977–95). The purpose of the Rhodes Class of ‘56 Professorship is to strengthen the undergraduate experience by bringing to the university individuals from every walk of life who represent excellence of achievement. The professorship is awarded to those at the pinnacle of their careers in every field that enriches and expands our collective ability to grow and thrive: in scholarship, public life, the professions and the arts. Such individuals share a lifetime of achievement with Cornell students. Rhodes Class of ‘56 Professors are appointed for a period of three years, with the possibility of renewal for two additional years, and are considered full Cornell faculty.

Individuals chosen to be Rhodes Class of ‘56 Professors will typically visit Ithaca for one week each year they serve. Individuals are chosen on the basis of applications submitted jointly by (at minimum) a West Campus House and an academic department. During their time on campus, Rhodes professors  will be invited to reside in one of the West Campus Houses where they will spend much of their time interacting with the resident undergraduates. They will give lectures or performances in already scheduled classes as well as for the Cornell community at large. They will also be involved in meetings and discussions with members of the House in which they reside.

The first Rhodes Class of ‘56 Professors were appointed in 2000. 

Frank H.T. Rhodes Class of ‘56 Professor by Term

Term Ending 2023

• Rhodessa Jones - Co-Artistic Director, Cultural Odyssey; Founder and Director, Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women

Formal Campus Residency 2022–23

• Rhodessa Jones - Fall 2022. Date: TBD.