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Martha Pollack
Photo: Cornell University Photography, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons19

Martha Pollack

American computer scientist

Martha Elizabeth Pollack (born August 27, 1958) is an American computer scientist. She served as the 14th president of Cornell University from April 2017 to June 2024 and as the 14th provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of Michigan from 2013 to 2017.2

From Wikipedia’s article on Martha Pollack (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Born Aug 27, 1958.1

About

Pollack's research specialty is artificial intelligence, where her contributions include works in planning, natural language processing, and activity recognition for cognitive assistance. She also serves on the board of directors of IBM.

From Wikipedia’s article on Martha Pollack, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.2

Companies

Holdings

Stock this person has reported owning, from the forms officers and directors file with the SEC. See the biggest insider stakes.

Shares held

  • IBM IBM0 shares18Feb 5, 2019

As of each latest filing. The line shows shares held over time.

Early life and education

  • Date not recordedUniversity of Pennsylvania3
  • Date not recordedDartmouth College3

Pollack was born in Stamford, Connecticut, on August 27, 1958.

In 1979, Pollack completed her undergraduate studies in linguistics at Dartmouth College. She received master's and doctoral degrees in computer science from the University of Pennsylvania, completing a Doctor of Philosophy in 1986 under joint supervision of Bonnie Webber and Barbara J. Grosz. She is Jewish.

University of Michigan

In 2000, Pollack joined the faculty of the University of Michigan. She was appointed as dean of the University of Michigan School of Information in 2007, as vice provost of the university in 2010, and as the 14th provost and executive vice president for academic affairs in 2013.

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Cornell University

On November 14, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Cornell University announced that they had unanimously elected Pollack as Cornell University’s 14th president. Her presidency began April 17, 2017, and she was inaugurated on August 25, 2017.

As the university president, Pollack made changes to Greek Life on campus, banning hard alcohol at fraternity and sorority events, suspending chapters suspected of hazing, and requiring a full-time live-in advisor for each fraternity and sorority house. Following widespread criticism of Cornell's culture and lack of support for students with mental health needs, she introduced plans to improve mental health services on campus.

Pollack rejected calls from the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement for Cornell to boycott investments in Israel. In January 2024, she came under scrutiny by Jason Smith, chairman of the United States House Committee on Ways and Means for Cornell University's response to anti-semitism.

On May 9, 2024, Pollack announced her decision to retire as Cornell University president, effective June 30, 2024.

From Wikipedia’s article on Martha Pollack (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Career

Occupation: computer scientist, university president.9

Pollack worked at SRI International from 1985 to 1992. From 1991 to 2000, she was on the faculty of the University of Pittsburgh.

From Wikipedia’s article on Martha Pollack (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Personal life

  • BornAug 27, 1958, Stamford10
  • CitizenshipUnited States11

Awards

  • 2022Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences12 15
  • 2011ACM Fellow6 12
  • 2011Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science12 14
  • 1996AAAI Fellow12 13
  • 1991IJCAI Computers and Thought Award12

Sources

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    Wikidata and SEC EDGARIBM, Board member
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