How Africa News
In a step that is long overdue, Harvard University has allegedly named its first Black president.
Claudine Gay was named Harvard’s 30th president on December 15, according to the Harvard Gazette.
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According to CNN, this is the second time a woman has held the position at the Massachusetts school.
The publication also indicates that Gay will succeed current President Lawrence S. Bacow, who announced his retirement in June 2022.
“Claudine is a person of bedrock integrity,” said Bacow in a statement via The Harvard Gazette. “She will provide Harvard with the strong moral compass necessary to lead this great university. The search committee has made an inspired choice for our 30th president. Under Claudine Gay’s leadership, Harvard’s future is very bright.”
Gay also shared a statement via The Harvard Gazette:
“I am humbled by the confidence that the governing boards have placed in me and by the prospect of succeeding President Bacow in leading this remarkable institution. It has been a privilege to work with Larry over the last five years. He has shown me that leadership isn’t about one person. It’s about all of us, moving forward together, and that’s a lesson I take with me into this next journey.”
Gay’s Background
Gay served as the Edgerley Family Dean of Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences before being named president of the Ivy League college, according to The Harvard Gazette.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from Stanford and a Ph.D. in government from Harvard. She was also an assistant professor and tenured associate professor at Stanford before being hired by the university in 2006.
