Cohen and Hempton named deans of Radcliffe Institute and Harvard Divinity School

Lizabeth Cohen named Radcliffe dean; David N. Hempton named Divinity School dean

Lizabeth Cohen and David N. Hempton

Lizabeth Cohen and David N. Hempton | From left: photograph by Kris Snibbe/Harvard News Office; Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard News Office

Jones professor of American studies Lizabeth Cohen, interim dean of the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study since last July, has been appointed dean. In a March 8 announcement, President Drew Faust cited her dedication to the “pursuit of new ideas and collaborations across the academic disciplines, the professions, and the creative arts.” Cohen, an American social and political historian, called Radcliffe “Harvard’s front door—open and welcoming to all who seek intellectual nourishment and creative inspiration.”

On March 30, Faust appointed David N. Hempton, McDonald Family professor of Evangelical theological studies, the dean of Harvard Divinity School, succeeding William A. Graham, who steps down on June 30. Hempton joined the faculty in 2007. He said he welcomed “the opportunity to engage with colleagues…across the University to improve Harvard’s approach to the study of religion.”

You might also like

Don’t Be A ‘Solo Superhero,’ Jonny Kim Tells Harvard Alumni

The astronaut, doctor, and Navy SEAL delivered keynote remarks on Alumni Day.

Harvard College Dean Deming Launches Podcast

In interviews, he traces his guests’ circuitous routes to success.

Graduate Student Workers End Strike

Union members return to work without a contract, but with plans to continue bargaining.

Most popular

Meet Harvard’s 2026 Student Commencement Speakers

Two undergraduates and a Ph.D. candidate will address the graduating class on May 28.

Harvard Honors Its Oldest Alumni

At 97 and 101, Linda Cabot Black ’51 and William “Bill” Dubey ’46 led the way on Alumni Day.

Graduates John Lithgow, Bill Rauch, and Bess Wohl took home prizes on Sunday night.

Explore More From Current Issue

Colorful illustrated map of Colonial Cambridge and the Harvard College campus featuring buildings of the campus, houses, Cambridge Common, and the Charles River

250 Years Ago, Harvard Was Home to a Revolution

A look at the sights, sounds, and characters that put the University on the frontlines of history

Portrait of a man with white hair, wearing a black coat, arms crossed, thoughtful expression.

The Framer Who Refused to Sign the Constitution

Harvard’s Elbridge Gerry helped draft the U.S. Constitution, but worried it might create a new monarch.

White House and Harvard University buildings split diagonally with contrasting colors.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.