Harvard University has announced that Alan Garber, who was serving as interim president since January, will now officially serve as the president until 2027. The decision was made by the Harvard Corporation following the resignation of former President Claudine Gay. Garber, an economist and physician, had previously served as the provost and chief academic officer of Harvard for 12 years.
Since taking on the role of president, Garber has implemented several changes at Harvard, including a decision to no longer make public statements on political and social issues. Additionally, the university announced that applicants for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences will no longer need to submit statements about their plan to advance diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
These changes come after a tumultuous year for Harvard, which saw controversy surrounding allegations of antisemitism on campus, as well as a high-profile resignation and subsequent task forces to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia. Despite the challenges, Garber expressed confidence in the university’s ability to move forward together, citing their shared devotion to learning and recognition of pluralism as a source of strength.
Moving forward, Harvard will begin the search for Garber’s successor in late spring or summer of 2026. In the meantime, Garber will continue to lead the university through what is undoubtedly a challenging time.
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