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

With a grade inflation vote and in the courts, the University argued that it’s taking steps to change.

Harvard Honors Its Oldest Alumni

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

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

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

Most popular

An animal’s journey from grief to love shows how much humans need each other, too.

Meet Harvard’s 2026 Student Commencement Speakers

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

Ronny Chieng Tells Harvard to ‘Destroy AI’ as Graduates Cheer

The comedian and The Daily Show host gave the keynote address for Class Day 2026.

Explore More From Current Issue

A woman with long, silver hair rests her chin on her hand, wearing a black top.

Author and Harvard Divinity School writer-in-residence Terry Tempest Williams finds beauty in the world around us.

Star-filled night sky with the Milky Way arching over a rocky silhouette.

There’s a growing movement to curb light pollution. It starts on your front porch.

A profile illustration of a man surrounded by colorful, whimsical text in multiple languages.

For both American and international students, growing up is like learning a new language.