David Jan Skorton (2003-2006)
David Skorton’s background as a physician, researcher, and musician provided a basis for his career as an academician and university administrator.
Skorton earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1970 and an MD in 1974, both at Northwestern University. He went on to complete his medical residency and fellowship in cardiology at the University of California, Los Angeles.
He joined the University of Iowa College of Medicine faculty in 1980 and was named an assistant professor of internal medicine the following year. In 1982, he became an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering. He served as vice president for research and vice president for external relations prior to his appointment as president.
In 2006, Skorton was named president of Cornell University, a position he held for nine years. In 2015, he was appointed Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, and in 2019 was named president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Skorton was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Nov. 22, 1949. In 2004, he married Robin L. Davisson, an associate professor of anatomy and Cedar Rapids native.
- Sign language class, 2006, photo by Tim Schoon for the University of Iowa.
- James Alan McPherson, Iowa Writers’ Workshop, 2005, photo by Tom Jorgenson for the University of Iowa.
- Bicycling simulator, Hank Virtual Environment Lab, 2005, photo by Tom Jorgenson for the University of Iowa.
- Biological sciences students collaborate, 2006, photo by Kirk Murray for the University of Iowa.