In 1939, the trustees of the university decided that elections for alumni trustees should be more dignified. There had previously been considerable competitive campaigning, large sums of money being spent by nominees, and many pressures.

After surveying the procedures used by other universities, the trustees suggested that the alumni association study the problem and make recommendations. The recommendation of the Cornell Alumni Association was the formation of the Committee on Alumni Trustee Nominations (CATN). The committee was charged with stimulating a continuous and exhaustive search for the ablest alumni to be placed in nomination.

Today, CATN reports to the Board of Trustees Committee on Alumni Affairs and is charged with screening and nominating four qualified alumni to stand as candidates in the annual election for alumni trustees. Alumni, staff, students, and friends of the university submit the nominations received by the committee. In addition to nominating candidates, CATN leadership (chair and vice chair) makes recommendations for process improvement and guideline updates associated with the election, candidates, and committee work. Recommended changes to process, policy, or guidelines are brought to and endorsed by the Committee on Alumni Affairs and the Committee on Board Composition and Governance.