Sarah, a bright-eyed high school senior from a small town in Ohio, had her heart set on Harvard. She’d spent countless hours poring over the university’s website, envisioning herself walking through the historic Yard, soaking up knowledge in its hallowed halls. But lately, as she scrolled through news feeds, a different picture emerged—one of leadership transitions, intense public scrutiny, and a seemingly endless stream of headlines questioning the very heart of the institution she dreamed of joining. “Who even leads Harvard these days?” she wondered aloud, the question echoing the sentiments of many, from seasoned alumni to casual observers.
For those navigating the often-complex world of higher education leadership, particularly at an institution as prominent as Harvard, clarity can sometimes feel like a moving target. To answer Sarah’s question, and address the immediate query directly: Harvard University’s 29th president, who served from 2018 to 2023, is Lawrence S. Bacow. His five-year tenure was marked by significant achievements and formidable challenges, leaving an indelible mark on the university. However, in the ever-evolving landscape of Harvard’s leadership, it’s also crucial to understand the more recent, rapid shifts that have occurred since Bacow’s departure, including the brief presidency of Claudine Gay and the current interim leadership of Alan M. Garber. This article will delve into Bacow’s impactful presidency, providing essential context for the journey Harvard has been on, and where it stands today.
Lawrence S. Bacow: Harvard’s 29th Steward (2018-2023)
When Lawrence S. Bacow took the helm as Harvard’s 29th president on July 1, 2018, he brought with him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of academic institutions. Bacow wasn’t a stranger to the demanding world of university leadership; he had previously served as the president of Tufts University for a decade and was a distinguished professor at MIT. His appointment was met with considerable optimism, seen as a steady hand capable of steering Harvard through an increasingly complex educational and societal landscape.
A Background Rooted in Academia and Public Service
Bacow’s journey to Harvard’s top office was underpinned by a robust academic and administrative career. Holding three degrees from MIT and a law degree from Harvard Law School, he was uniquely positioned to understand both the scientific and humanistic sides of a multifaceted university. Before his presidency at Tufts, he served as Chancellor and Chair of the Faculty at MIT, giving him firsthand experience in managing intricate academic and administrative structures. This blend of legal, economic, and administrative expertise made him an ideal candidate to lead an institution of Harvard’s caliber, one that continually grapples with legal, ethical, and financial challenges.
His prior leadership at Tufts, where he significantly enhanced the university’s financial strength, increased its research enterprise, and strengthened its international reputation, demonstrated his capacity for transformative leadership. It was this proven track record of thoughtful stewardship and strategic vision that ultimately led the Harvard Corporation to select him as their next president, succeeding Drew Gilpin Faust.
Vision and Inaugural Goals for a Modern Harvard
Upon taking office, Bacow articulated a vision centered on strengthening Harvard’s core mission of teaching and research while addressing critical societal issues. He emphasized the importance of collaboration across Harvard’s disparate schools, fostering interdisciplinary work that could tackle global challenges from climate change to social inequality. His inaugural address underscored a commitment to affordability and access, ensuring that Harvard remained a place where talent, not means, dictated opportunity.
One of his early focuses was on enhancing Harvard’s financial aid programs, recognizing that attracting the brightest students from all socioeconomic backgrounds was paramount to the university’s continued excellence. He was a vocal proponent of Harvard’s need-blind admissions policy, working to reinforce the institution’s commitment to making a Harvard education accessible to all admitted students, regardless of their family’s income. This wasn’t just about altruism; it was about enriching the intellectual diversity and vibrancy of the campus community.
Key Achievements and Initiatives Under Bacow’s Guidance
During his tenure, Bacow spearheaded numerous initiatives that profoundly shaped Harvard. His leadership saw significant investments in groundbreaking research, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, climate science, and personalized medicine. He understood that a leading research institution must continually push the boundaries of knowledge, and he worked to secure the resources necessary for faculty to pursue ambitious projects.
A notable achievement was the progress made in the university’s extensive capital campaign, which continued to secure monumental philanthropic support. These funds were crucial for maintaining Harvard’s physical infrastructure, supporting faculty endowments, expanding financial aid, and funding new academic programs. Bacow’s adeptness at fostering relationships with donors and articulating Harvard’s mission played a vital role in the campaign’s success.
He also championed initiatives focused on diversity, inclusion, and belonging (DIB). Recognizing the historical context and ongoing need for progress, Bacow worked to create a more equitable and inclusive environment across campus. This involved supporting various task forces, investing in DIB programs, and fostering dialogue on complex issues of race, identity, and social justice. He understood that true excellence in education required a community where everyone felt valued and empowered to contribute.
Navigating Unprecedented Crises: The COVID-19 Pandemic
Perhaps Bacow’s most defining challenge, and indeed his greatest test of leadership, was steering Harvard through the unprecedented global health crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden onset of the pandemic in early 2020 necessitated swift, decisive action. Bacow and his administration moved quickly to transition nearly all academic operations online, evacuate students from residential housing, and implement rigorous public health protocols to safeguard the campus community.
This period demanded immense flexibility, innovation, and empathy. Harvard faculty and staff adapted to remote learning and working environments on a scale previously unimaginable. Bacow was a visible and reassuring presence, frequently communicating with the community, outlining the steps being taken, and acknowledging the immense difficulties faced by students, faculty, and staff. He emphasized community resilience and the importance of supporting one another through such trying times. The financial implications of the pandemic were also enormous, requiring careful stewardship of resources to ensure Harvard’s long-term stability while continuing to pay staff and support student needs.
Addressing Social and Political Pressures
Beyond the pandemic, Bacow’s presidency also coincided with a period of heightened social and political polarization. Harvard, as a beacon of intellectual discourse, often found itself at the epicenter of debates ranging from free speech on campus to the ethical implications of its historical ties. Bacow consistently affirmed Harvard’s commitment to academic freedom and open inquiry, even when confronting challenging and sometimes uncomfortable viewpoints. He also managed the ongoing discussions surrounding Harvard’s legacy with slavery, demonstrating a commitment to historical reckoning and institutional accountability.
His leadership style was often characterized by a measured approach, prioritizing thoughtful deliberation and broad consultation. This calm demeanor proved invaluable in navigating the often-turbulent waters of public opinion and internal dissent, maintaining a sense of stability and purpose for the institution.
The Decision to Step Down and His Enduring Legacy
In June 2022, Lawrence Bacow announced his intention to step down from the presidency in June 2023, after five years in the role. His decision was based on a desire to spend more time with his family, particularly his wife, Adele, who had faced her own health challenges. This planned and orderly transition allowed the university ample time to conduct a thorough search for its 30th president.
Bacow’s legacy at Harvard is one of stability, thoughtful progress, and unwavering commitment to the university’s core mission. He successfully guided Harvard through a period of significant global upheaval, strengthened its financial position, fostered interdisciplinary collaboration, and championed access and inclusion. He left Harvard in a strong position, ready for its next chapter of leadership, a chapter that, as it turned out, would be far more tumultuous than anyone could have anticipated.
The Brief, Tumultuous Tenure of the 30th President, Claudine Gay
Following Lawrence Bacow’s planned departure, Harvard embarked on a comprehensive search for its 30th president. The university community, and indeed the broader academic world, watched with keen interest as the process unfolded. The outcome was historic: on December 15, 2022, Harvard announced the appointment of Claudine Gay, a distinguished political scientist and then-Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), as its next president. Her selection marked several milestones: she was the first Black person and only the second woman to lead the prestigious institution.
A Historic Appointment Amidst High Hopes
Claudine Gay’s background was impressive. A graduate of Stanford and Harvard, she earned her Ph.D. in government from Harvard in 1998. Her academic career focused on American political behavior, and she was known for her research on issues of race and politics. Before becoming Dean of FAS, she served as the Wilbur C. Hadden Professor of Government and of African and African American Studies, and as Dean of Social Science. Her appointment was widely celebrated as a step forward for diversity and representation in higher education leadership, signaling a new era for Harvard.
The initial hopes were high. Gay spoke eloquently of her commitment to academic excellence, fostering a vibrant intellectual community, and addressing societal challenges. She aimed to strengthen interdisciplinary research, enhance undergraduate education, and deepen Harvard’s engagement with the world. Many saw her as the embodiment of modern academic leadership, someone who could blend scholarly rigor with a progressive vision for the university.
Early Challenges and Escalating Scrutiny
Almost immediately after taking office in July 2023, Gay’s presidency faced headwinds. Harvard, like many elite universities, was grappling with complex issues such as free speech, diversity initiatives, and its role in an increasingly polarized society. However, the true test came after the brutal October 7th attacks in Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. Harvard’s initial response to these events, particularly a student group statement that blamed Israel for the attacks, drew widespread condemnation, especially from alumni and donors who felt the university was failing to adequately condemn antisemitism on campus.
This period of intense scrutiny laid bare deep divisions within the Harvard community and put immense pressure on Gay’s nascent administration. She was criticized for not speaking out more forcefully or quickly enough against antisemitism, leading to accusations that Harvard was not a safe space for Jewish students.
The Congressional Testimony and Its Aftermath
The turning point for President Gay’s tenure came on December 5, 2023, when she testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, alongside the presidents of MIT and the University of Pennsylvania, regarding antisemitism on their campuses. During the hearing, when asked if calls for the genocide of Jews would violate Harvard’s rules on harassment, Gay’s response—that it “depends on the context”—was widely perceived as evasive and inadequate. This answer ignited a firestorm of criticism, from politicians, media figures, and a significant portion of the public, leading to calls for her resignation.
While she later issued an apology and clarified her stance, stating that “context is important, but I also want to be clear: calls for violence or genocide against the Jewish community, or any religious or ethnic group, are vile, they have no place at Harvard, and those who espouse such views will be held accountable,” the damage had been done. The incident amplified existing concerns about leadership at Harvard and fueled intense debate about free speech, hate speech, and institutional responsibility.
Plagiarism Allegations and Resignation
In the wake of the congressional testimony, President Gay faced a fresh wave of allegations—this time concerning plagiarism in her academic work. These accusations, initially highlighted by conservative activists and then investigated by media outlets, pointed to instances where her published articles and doctoral dissertation allegedly failed to properly attribute sources or included text too similar to others’ work without adequate citation. While Harvard’s Corporation initially reaffirmed its support for her, stating that an independent review found “no violation of Harvard’s standards for research misconduct,” they acknowledged “instances of inadequate citation” and said Gay would update her dissertation with corrections.
However, further allegations emerged, and the sheer volume and intensity of the scrutiny became untenable. On January 2, 2024, Claudine Gay announced her resignation as Harvard’s president. In her resignation letter, she spoke of the personal attacks and “racial animus” that had been directed at her, while also acknowledging the challenges to her leadership. Her presidency, lasting just over six months, was the shortest in Harvard’s nearly 400-year history, a stark and somber end to what began as a moment of historic promise.
Leading Through Uncertainty: Interim President Alan M. Garber
In the immediate aftermath of Claudine Gay’s resignation, the Harvard Corporation, the university’s highest governing body, moved swiftly to appoint Alan M. Garber as the interim president. Garber, who had served as Harvard’s Provost since 2011, was a natural and widely respected choice to step into the role during a period of significant institutional turbulence.
Who is Alan Garber? A Steady Hand at the Helm
Alan Garber is a distinguished physician and economist, holding professorships across multiple Harvard faculties, including Medicine, Economics, Public Policy, and Health Care Policy. Before his appointment as Provost, he was a highly respected professor at Stanford University, where he also served as the director of its Center for Health Policy. His academic work is renowned for its focus on health care costs, technology assessment, and the application of economic principles to medical decision-making.
As Provost, Garber was essentially Harvard’s chief academic officer, responsible for overseeing the university’s academic, budgetary, and planning affairs. This role gave him an intimate understanding of all facets of Harvard’s vast enterprise, from its sprawling research initiatives to its complex financial structures and its diverse array of schools and departments. His deep institutional knowledge, calm demeanor, and extensive experience in senior leadership made him an indispensable figure and the logical choice to provide stability during such a critical juncture.
Immediate Responsibilities and the Path Forward
Garber’s immediate responsibilities as interim president are manifold and challenging. His primary task is to stabilize the university, restore a sense of calm, and foster healing within a community deeply affected by the recent controversies. This involves reaffirming Harvard’s core values, ensuring a respectful environment for all members, and navigating ongoing debates about free speech, academic freedom, and institutional neutrality.
He is also tasked with ensuring the seamless continuation of Harvard’s academic and administrative functions. This means overseeing ongoing research projects, managing the university’s substantial endowment, addressing student and faculty concerns, and maintaining Harvard’s global standing. It’s a delicate balancing act, requiring both decisive action and thoughtful consultation.
Crucially, Garber will play a key role in preparing the ground for the search for Harvard’s 31st permanent president. While he has stated he will not be a candidate for the permanent position, his leadership during this interim period is vital in setting a positive tone and ensuring that the institution can move forward cohesively. His steady presence is seen as a crucial factor in helping Harvard regain its footing and begin the process of rebuilding trust, both internally and externally.
The Intricate Art of Selecting a Harvard President
The process of choosing a president for Harvard University is one of the most rigorous and closely watched in higher education. It’s an intricate dance involving multiple stakeholders, careful consideration, and a deep understanding of the institution’s enduring mission. The recent leadership changes have only underscored the immense weight and complexity of this selection process.
The Search Committee: A Multi-Faceted Body
The primary body responsible for identifying potential candidates is the Presidential Search Committee. This committee is typically formed by members of the Harvard Corporation (the university’s principal governing board) and the Board of Overseers (a 30-member advisory board elected by alumni). It usually includes a diverse representation of individuals, often comprising faculty members from various schools, a few prominent alumni, and sometimes a student representative.
The committee’s role is to conduct a global search, soliciting input from across the Harvard community and beyond. They typically hold listening sessions with faculty, students, staff, and alumni, gathering perspectives on the qualities and challenges the next president should address. This broad consultation is designed to ensure that the eventual choice reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of the entire university.
Qualities Sought: Beyond Academic Prowess
While exceptional academic credentials are a baseline requirement, a Harvard president needs far more. The qualities sought are extensive and reflect the multifaceted nature of the role:
- Academic Leadership: A deep understanding of scholarly research and teaching, with a vision for advancing intellectual inquiry across disciplines.
- Administrative Acumen: The ability to manage a vast, complex organization with a multi-billion dollar budget, numerous schools, and tens of thousands of faculty, staff, and students.
- Fundraising Prowess: The capacity to engage with major donors and lead significant capital campaigns, essential for maintaining Harvard’s financial strength and funding its ambitions.
- Moral Compass and Integrity: Unwavering ethical standards, the ability to make difficult decisions with fairness and transparency, and to inspire trust in a diverse community. This has become particularly salient in light of recent events.
- Public Presence and Communication Skills: The ability to articulate Harvard’s mission effectively to a global audience, represent the university on national and international stages, and navigate intense media scrutiny.
- Consensus Builder and Unifier: The skill to bring together diverse viewpoints, address internal divisions, and foster a sense of shared purpose within a sometimes fractured community.
- Resilience and Steadfastness: The fortitude to withstand immense pressure, criticism, and public scrutiny, maintaining focus on the university’s long-term goals.
My own take on this is that the recent events have likely shifted the emphasis even more towards integrity, crisis management, and the ability to articulate a clear, unambiguous moral and ethical stance. While fundraising and academic vision remain critical, the capacity to lead through highly charged public discourse and unify a diverse campus under core principles might now top the list.
The Unseen Pressures and the Final Decision
The search process is often shrouded in confidentiality, allowing candidates to be considered without undue public pressure. However, the external pressures are immense. The next president will inherit an institution grappling with questions about its role in society, its commitment to free speech versus combating hate speech, and its ability to maintain its preeminence amidst global challenges. The choice must navigate political currents, satisfy a demanding alumni base, and inspire confidence in faculty and students.
Ultimately, the final decision rests with the Harvard Corporation, in consultation with the Board of Overseers. The chosen individual is not just a university administrator but a global thought leader, a steward of an extraordinary legacy, and a figure who will inevitably shape the future trajectory of one of the world’s most influential institutions.
The Enduring Weight of Harvard’s Presidency
To be the president of Harvard is to hold a position of immense influence, not just within the ivy-covered walls of Cambridge but across the globe. It’s a role that demands extraordinary intellectual capacity, administrative skill, and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and truth. But it’s also a job burdened by the weight of history, the expectations of countless stakeholders, and the relentless glare of public scrutiny.
The Harvard president must embody a delicate balance: honoring centuries of tradition while simultaneously driving innovation and adapting to a rapidly changing world. They are the chief academic officer, the primary fundraiser, the public face, and the moral compass of an institution with an endowment larger than many nations’ GDPs. Their decisions ripple through the academic community, influence policy debates, and shape the minds of future leaders.
This immense responsibility means navigating a complex web of internal and external pressures. They must champion academic freedom while ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all. They must manage vast financial resources, foster groundbreaking research, and ensure that Harvard remains a global leader in education and discovery. Moreover, they are expected to be a voice of reason and principle in national and global discourse, a task that has become increasingly fraught in a polarized era.
The recent leadership transitions at Harvard serve as a potent reminder of the fragility of even the most esteemed positions. They underscore that while the institution itself is robust, its leadership faces unprecedented demands. The next permanent president will not only need to be brilliant and capable but also possess an almost superhuman resilience, integrity, and the ability to inspire a divided community towards a common, noble purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the president of Harvard immediately before Lawrence Bacow?
Lawrence S. Bacow was preceded by Drew Gilpin Faust, who served as Harvard’s 28th president from 2007 to 2018. Faust holds the distinction of being the first woman to lead Harvard University in its nearly four-century history. Her tenure was marked by significant achievements, including steering the university through the 2008 financial crisis, overseeing record-breaking fundraising campaigns, and fostering a strong commitment to public service and financial accessibility for students. She also initiated major institutional reforms and expansions, including the development of the Allston campus.
Why did Lawrence Bacow step down from the presidency?
Lawrence Bacow announced his intention to step down from the presidency in June 2022, and his tenure officially concluded in June 2023. His decision was based on a desire for more personal time, particularly to spend with his wife, Adele, who had faced health challenges. He openly stated that he felt it was the right time for him to transition to a new phase of life, allowing a new leader to take the helm. His departure was a planned retirement, marking a deliberate and orderly transition rather than being prompted by any crisis or controversy, a stark contrast to the circumstances surrounding his successor.
What were the main controversies surrounding Claudine Gay’s presidency?
Claudine Gay’s brief presidency was marked by two primary controversies. The first stemmed from her testimony before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce in December 2023, where her responses regarding calls for the genocide of Jews on campus were widely criticized as evasive and inadequate. Her statement that it “depends on the context” ignited significant public outrage and calls for her resignation, leading to accusations that Harvard was not adequately addressing antisemitism. The second set of controversies involved allegations of plagiarism in her academic work, including her doctoral dissertation and published articles. While Harvard initially concluded that there were “inadequate citations” rather than research misconduct, the sheer volume of these allegations and the intense media scrutiny further eroded confidence in her leadership, ultimately contributing to her resignation.
Who is Alan Garber and what is his current role at Harvard?
Alan M. Garber is currently serving as Harvard University’s interim president, having been appointed to the role following Claudine Gay’s resignation in January 2024. Prior to this, Garber held the position of Provost of Harvard University since 2011, making him the chief academic officer responsible for overseeing academic, budgetary, and planning matters across all of Harvard’s schools and divisions. He is a highly respected physician and economist, holding professorships across multiple Harvard faculties. His current role as interim president involves providing stability, fostering healing within the community, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the university while a search for the 31st permanent president is underway. He has publicly stated that he will not be a candidate for the permanent presidency.
How is a Harvard president typically chosen?
The selection of a Harvard president is a highly structured and confidential process. It typically begins with the formation of a Presidential Search Committee, composed of members from the Harvard Corporation (the university’s primary governing board) and the Board of Overseers (an advisory board). This committee engages in extensive outreach, consulting with faculty, students, staff, alumni, and external experts to gather input on the qualities and vision desired in the next leader. They conduct a global search, identifying and interviewing a diverse pool of highly qualified candidates. The committee’s recommendations are then submitted to the Harvard Corporation, which makes the final decision. The process emphasizes finding an individual with exceptional academic credentials, strong administrative skills, proven fundraising capabilities, and the capacity to lead a complex, globally influential institution through significant challenges and opportunities, upholding its core values and mission.