Newly named president of MIT is from Duke

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — While there were many reasons Sally Kornbluth shifted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, it was the chance to address some of the world's greatest challenges that played the biggest role, the new president said at an introductory news conference on Thursday.

“Maybe above all, I was drawn here because this is a moment when humanity faces huge global problems, problems that urgently demand the world's most skillful minds and hands," she said. "In short, I believe this is MIT’s moment. I could not imagine a greater privilege than helping the people of MIT seize its full potential.”

Kornbluth, a cell biologist who has spent the past eight years as provost at Duke University, was elected MIT's 18th president on Thursday by the MIT Corporation, the school's governing body.

She will officially take over on Jan. 1, after L. Rafael Reif, who in February announced that he planned to resign after 10 years on the job. She is the second woman to lead MIT.

It was her accomplishments at Duke that made her clear selection out of the four finalists for the MIT presidency, said Diane Greene, chair of the MIT Corporation.

“Dr. Kornbluth is an extraordinary find for MIT," Greene said, noting that the vote was unanimous. “She’s an exceptional administrator, widely respected for her ability to create an environment that breaks barriers, and importantly, enables every student, faculty, and staff member to contribute at their highest levels. She is known for her judgment, plain-spokenness, and integrity.”

Kornbluth also requested to keep MIT a welcoming and comfortable environment where everyone can reach their potential.