HWS News
14 February 2018 Gearan L.H.D. 17 Named Harvard Institute of Politics Director
HWS President Emeritus Mark D. Gearan L.H.D. '17 has been named by Harvard University as the Director of the Institute of Politics (IOP) at Harvard Kennedy School.
In an announcement made by Kennedy School Dean Douglas Elmendorf, Gearan will begin his role as director in March 2018. He has spent the past year as the President in Residence at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
"At Harvard we believe in the power of public service to transform our societies for the better," said Drew Faust, President of Harvard University and Lincoln Professor of History in Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences. "We are excited that Mark, a distinguished leader who has dedicated most of his impressive career to public service, will now bring his remarkable skills and passion to the IOP."
Harvard's full announcement about Gearan's appointment is below.
For Immediate Release: February 12, 2018
Media Contact: Thoko Moyo, (617) 495-9378
Mark Gearan appointed Director of the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School
CAMBRIDGE, MA Mark D. Gearan has been appointed Director of the Institute of Politics (IOP) at Harvard Kennedy School, Kennedy School Dean Douglas Elmendorf announced today. Gearan will begin at the IOP in March.
At Harvard we believe in the power of public service to transform our societies for the better, said Drew Faust, President of Harvard University and Lincoln Professor of History in Harvards Faculty of Arts and Sciences. We are excited that Mark, a distinguished leader who has dedicated most of his impressive career to public service, will now bring his remarkable skills and passion to the IOP.
Gearan, who was President of Hobart and William Smith Colleges for 18 years and was previously Director of the U.S. Peace Corps, has spent the past year as President in Residence at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He also served as White House Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Communications in the Clinton Administration.
The IOP exposes students to the practical world of politics and public service in order to inspire and help the students enter that world later in their lives, said Douglas Elmendorf, Harvard Kennedy School Dean and Don K. Price Professor of Public Policy. Our students will benefit greatly from Marks deep knowledge of both public service and higher education.
I am honored to serve as the next Director of the Institute of Politics. The mission to inspire and prepare Harvard students to become leaders in politics and public service could not be more important. As an undergraduate I benefited greatly from the IOP, and I look forward to continuing its rich legacy for todays students with vibrant programs, speakers, and ideas from academia and practice, Gearan said.
Gearan received his J.D from Georgetown University Law Center and his A.B. cum laude from Harvard College. He was the Executive Director of the Democratic Governors Association, Headquarters Press Secretary for Governor Michael Dukakis during his presidential campaign in 1988, and Campaign Manager for Al Gores vice-presidential campaign in 1992. Gearan also served as the Director of Federal/State Relations for Governor Dukakis.
Im thrilled that Mark has agreed to become the IOP director. His energy and vision are exactly what we need to push the institution to new heights, said Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, honorary chair of the IOP Senior Advisory Committee.
Mark is the embodiment of a commitment to public service and politicsa commitment that is central to the IOPs mission. The IOP is extremely fortunate to welcome him as director, said Kenneth M. Duberstein, chair of the IOP Senior Advisory Committee and former chief of staff to President Ronald Reagan.
The Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School was established in 1966 as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy. The IOPs mission is to unite and engage students, particularly undergraduates, with academics, politicians, activists, and policymakers on a non-partisan basis to inspire them to consider careers in politics and public service. The Institute strives to promote greater understanding and cooperation between the academic world and the world of politics and public affairs. More information is available online at www.iop.harvard.edu.