Suzanne Glassburn Named University Secretary

Suzanne Glassburn, whom President Alan M. Garber described in a statement today as “a deeply experienced and widely respected senior university administrator,” has been appointed vice president and Secretary of the University. Glassburn formerly served in a similar role at MIT, where she coordinated the operations of the MIT Corporation. At Harvard, she will serve as chief administrative officer to the governing boards, which include the Corporation and the Board of Overseers.

Glassburn will succeed Marc Goodheart ’81, J.D. ’85, who has held that position since 1998. Under Goodheart, the position was a powerful behind-the-scenes role with duties that ranged from guiding Corporation reforms to handing out honorary degrees at Commencement.

“Suzanne is an individual of exceptional demeanor, diplomacy, and intellect,” Garber said in a statement accompanying the announcement. “Her leadership of the Office of the Governing Boards will advance and strengthen the critical work of both the Corporation and the Board of Overseers at a moment of great consequence for Harvard and for higher education.”

Glassburn, who graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1987 with an A. B. in English, subsequently attended the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She became a partner at Boston law firm Nutter, McClennen & Fish, LLP, before joining MIT’s Office of the General Counsel, where she worked with peers at Harvard in the establishment of edX, the joint Harvard and MIT nonprofit online learning venture that was sold to a for-profit company in 2021.

“I am deeply grateful to President Garber for the opportunity to serve an institution with such an incredible history of strong governance and respected leadership,” said Glassburn in today’s announcement. “It is a privilege to work with the dedicated individuals who serve on the Corporation and the Board of Overseers. I look forward to providing guidance and counsel in support of their efforts to steer this venerable institution toward a future in which it continues to make profound and meaningful contributions to society.”

Goodheart will relinquish the post after Commencement ceremonies this May but continue as a senior adviser to the President and other University leaders.