Harvard University has appointed David Deming as the new Dean of Harvard College, as announced by FAS Dean Hopi Hoekstra on Tuesday. Deming will succeed Rakesh Khurana, who has held the position since 2014 and is set to retire while remaining on the faculty. The Dean plays a vital role in guiding the College’s priorities, particularly around academics, student life, and disciplinary matters.
Deming currently holds multiple prestigious appointments, serving as the academic dean at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), director of the Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy, and as a Black professor of political economy. He is also a professor of education and economics at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, in addition to being the faculty dean of Kirkland House.
A noted economist, Deming’s research focuses on education, labor markets, and economic inequality. He has been actively involved with the CLIMB Initiative at Opportunity Insights, where he examines how colleges can enhance intergenerational mobility. Additionally, he co-leads a University-wide Project on Workforce aimed at preparing students for today’s job market, as well as co-founding the Skills Lab, which studies the significance of “soft” skills in professional environments.
Deming’s influence on policy at Harvard College is already notable. His collaborative work on a 2023 paper was referenced when the College reinstated the requirement for standardized test submissions from applicants in April 2024, positing that such tests are beneficial in identifying talented students from under-resourced high schools.
With roots in Nashville, Tennessee, and later Shaker Heights, Ohio, Deming earned his bachelor’s in economics and political science from Ohio State University, followed by a master’s degree in public policy from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Ph.D. from HKS.
President Alan M. Garber lauded Deming for his exceptional research, educational prowess, and capacity to serve as a mentor to both students and faculty. Garber expressed excitement for Deming stepping into this crucial role, emphasizing his potential to shape the experiences of future generations of undergraduates.
Deming was previously a finalist for the deanship at HKS, which has since been awarded to Stanford political scientist Jeremy Weinstein, further underscoring the high regard in which he is held in academic circles.
This appointment brings a renewed sense of optimism for Harvard College, as Deming’s diverse experience and commitment to educational equity could greatly enhance the academic framework and student engagement within the institution.