David Deming Named Next Dean of Harvard College

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — David J. Deming has been appointed dean of Harvard College, beginning July 1. This announcement was made by Hopi Hoekstra, the Edgerley Family Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, on Tuesday.

Deming, currently the Isabelle and Scott Black Professor of Political Economy at the Harvard Kennedy School and a professor of education and economics at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, will succeed Rakesh Khurana, who has served in the role since 2014.

In his announcement, Dean Hoekstra highlighted Deming’s extensive experience and commitment to higher education. “David is a recognized and respected expert in higher education research and policy,” she stated. “He has a deep, authentic connection to undergraduate life.”

Harvard President Alan M. Garber also praised Deming, calling him “a great educator” and “a role model to students and faculty alike.” Garber emphasized Deming’s significant contributions to understanding education and social mobility.

Deming’s research focuses on how education impacts labor markets and economic inequality. He is a principal investigator for Opportunity Insights, an initiative that studies how higher education can enhance social mobility. Furthermore, he co-leads a project aimed at preparing students for meaningful careers in a fluctuating job market.

“His work explores how education transforms lives for low-income students and how public policy can expand opportunity,” Hoekstra said.

Deming has taught at Harvard since 2011 and became the faculty dean of Kirkland House in 2020. During his tenure, he implemented initiatives that fostered community engagement and collaboration among students.

“I’ve loved getting to know our students outside the classroom and contributing to their development,” Deming said in response to his new role. “I believe deeply in the transformative power of a Harvard education.”

Deming’s leadership experience includes his role as director of the Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy at the Kennedy School, where he also served as academic dean until 2024.

He holds degrees from Ohio State University, the University of California, Berkeley, and a Ph.D. from Harvard. His scholarly work has earned him accolades, including the Sherwin Rosen Prize and the David N. Kershaw Prize.

With Deming’s appointment, Harvard College faces both challenges and opportunities as it navigates an increasingly complex educational landscape.