Alan Garber Stays as Harvard President

Harvard University has officially appointed Dr. Alan Garber as its permanent president, following his tenure as interim president after Claudine Gay's resignation in January. This decision comes after a period marked by significant public scrutiny and internal challenges within the institution. Dr. Garber, a seasoned administrator at 69 years old, is expected to lead the university through at least the 2026-27 academic year. Penny Pritzker, senior fellow of the Harvard Corporation, praised Dr. Garber's leadership during his interim presidency, highlighting his previous role as provost for over 12 years. Pritzker emphasized that the removal of the "interim" title reflects the university's confidence in Garber's ability to provide not just steady stewardship but also active and engaged leadership during a critical time for Harvard. The appointment comes on the heels of significant changes at the university, including the Supreme Court's recent decision to strike down its race-conscious admissions program. This ruling has prompted discussions about the future of diversity and inclusion within Harvard's admissions process, adding to the challenges that Garber will face as he steps into his new role. As Garber takes the helm, the university community is looking for a leader who can navigate these complexities while fostering a stable and progressive environment for students and faculty alike. His extensive experience and familiarity with Harvard's inner workings position him as a pivotal figure in the university's ongoing evolution.