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

The division is launching a new fundraising effort to support 50 additional students.

President Alan M. Garber used traditional Memorial Church address to consider the unique qualities of human intelligence and learning.

Due to rain, the University held dual Convocation ceremonies for the Class of 2030 in Sanders Theatre.

Most popular

The University will compensate families of those whose remains were sold and establish a scholarship to honor anatomical donors.

Football: The Tapestry

David C.K. McClelland’s famous Lampoon cover

Harvard art historian Jennifer Roberts teaches the value of immersive attention

Teaching students the value of deceleration and immersive attention

Explore More From Current Issue

Smiling woman stands beside a large skull in a display cabinet.

From competing in youth gymnastics to studying tetrapods, the Harvard curator has always chased her curiosity.

A woman with long, wavy hair wearing a white suit, seated in a bright, modern room.

The Harvard graduate’s roundtable talk show touches on hot button issues from religion to sex. 

Three hands hold smartphones displaying social media profiles with likes and hearts.

Tell us about how social media impacts your daily life.