Claudine Gay, a leading political scientist and scholar of race and politics in America, became the 30th president of Harvard University in 2023. Before her presidency, she was Dean of Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences. She led efforts to expand student access, promote teaching and research excellence, and enhance the academic culture.
A dedicated educator and mentor, Gay's research explores the impact of minority officeholders, the influence of neighborhood environments on political attitudes, and the consequences of housing mobility for political participation. She is the founding chair of the Inequality in America Initiative and serves on the boards of esteemed institutions like the Pew Research Center and Phillips Exeter Academy.
Before joining Harvard, Gay was a tenured associate professor at Stanford University. She earned her B.A. in economics from Stanford and her Ph.D. in political science from Harvard, receiving prestigious awards for her senior thesis and dissertation. Gay is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and continues to pursue her scholarship through fellowships and board memberships.
Her journey from scholar to president reflects Gay's commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and social justice, making her an influential leader for Harvard University.