WASHINGTON, DC.- Dr. David J. Skorton began his tenure as Secretary of the
Smithsonian Institution Wednesday, July 1. Skorton is the 13th Secretary in the Smithsonians 169-year history.
I am eager to begin working with the scholars, curators, educators and staff who have made the Smithsonian a world leader in science, the arts, the social sciences and the humanities, Skorton said. At any moment, the Smithsonian has researchers on every continent, exploring everything from the past and present state of our planet, to discovering new worlds at the edges of the galaxy. At the same time, scholars and curators bring a fresh understanding of worldwide cultures and the inspiration of the arts.
Under his leadership, Skorton said, The Smithsonian will continue to teach and delight educators, students and learners of all ages through its museums, affiliates and online presence. The Smithsonian was founded on the principle that education empowers a person, and therefore, a nation, he explained, adding that with new technologies, anyone, anywhere in the world can access the Smithsonians vast learning resources.
With its diverse collections and staff, the Smithsonian is uniquely positioned to lead a global dialogue on critical questions where the arts, humanities and sciences intersect, Skorton said. The Smithsonian can advance our understanding of the world around us through a distinctly American perspective.
Before joining the Smithsonian, Skorton served as president of Cornell University for nine years. Educated as a cardiologist, his research focus is congenital heart disease and cardiac imaging and image processing. He is the first medical doctor to lead the Smithsonian. Before becoming Cornell Universitys president, Skorton was president of the University of Iowa from 2003 to 2006 and a member of its faculty for 26 years.
He is married to Robin L. Davisson, The Andrew Dickson White Professor of Molecular Physiology at Cornell University.
Skorton earned his bachelors degree in psychology in 1970 and his M.D. in 1974, both from Northwestern University. He completed his medical residency and fellowship in cardiology at the University of California, Los Angeles in 1979.
He succeeds Wayne Clough, who retired in December 2014. Albert Horvath, the Smithsonians Under Secretary for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer, served as Acting Secretary for the first six months of this year.