Lizabeth Cohen Appointed Radcliffe Institute Interim Dean

The American studies professor will take office on July 1.

Lizabeth Cohen

Jones professor of American studies Lizabeth Cohen will become interim dean of the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, starting July 1, President Drew Faust announced today.

Cohen specializes in twentieth-century American social and political history and American urban design and physical planning. Her books include Making a New Deal: Industrial Workers in Chicago, 1919-1939 and A Consumers' Republic: The Politics of Mass Consumption in Postwar America.

Since arriving at Harvard from New York University in 1997, Cohen has co-chaired a working group on pedagogy for a review of undergraduate education and co-chaired a University steering committee to explore making better use of common spaces on campus. (One example of the group's recommendations: the chairs that now fill Harvard Yard during nice weather.)

Cohen is a longtime member of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Standing Committee on the Status of Women. She was a Radcliffe Fellow during the 2001-02 academic year.

The Radcliffe Institute's current dean, Barbara Grosz, Higgins professor of natural sciences, announced earlier this month that she would step down at the end of the academic year.

Sub topics

You might also like

Trump Administration Alleges Harvard Violated Student Civil Rights

In a court filing, the University says government has ignored procedure to “inflict pain.”

John Goldberg named Dean of Harvard Law School

A professor at HLS since 2008, he steps up from the interim role.

House Committee Subpoenas Harvard Over Tuition Costs

The University must turn over all requested materials related to tuition and financial aid by mid-July. 

Most popular

Harvard Layoffs Continue, with More to Come

In the wake of federal government actions, several Harvard schools and institutes are cutting costs.

Are Noncitizens’ Speech Rights Protected?

Harvard faculty testify in a federal lawsuit over free speech and deportations.

Trump Administration Threatens Harvard’s Accreditation, Subpoenas Student Records

The federal government mounts pressure amid negotiations with Harvard.

Explore More From Current Issue

Harvard Medalists

Four people honored for exceptional service to the University

Walter Wick’s I Spy Series

I Spy Creator Walter Wick at the Norman Rockwell Museum 

David Leo Rice on 'The Berlin Wall'

David Leo Rice explores the strange, unseen forces shaping our world.