Indian-origin academician appointed dean of Harvard College

, Jan 22: Indian-origin academician Rakesh Khurana has been appointed dean of the prestigious

College and will take over his new role in July.

Khurana is the Marvin Bower Professor of Leadership Development at Harvard Business School (HBS), professor of sociology in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) and co-master of Cabot House at Harvard.

FAS Dean Michael Smith announced the appointment in an email to the FAS community and praised Khurana as a scholar and teacher with deep experience working with undergraduates and a strong commitment to the College. Khurana succeeds Evelynn Hammonds, professor of African and African American Studies, who stepped down last June, after completing her five-year term.

He will assume the role on July 1. Harvard President Drew Faust said Khurana is a faculty leader who embodies the interconnectedness of Harvard. "His experiences as a graduate student, an award-winning teacher at HBS, and the master of an undergraduate House give him a unique perspective on the University, and his deep respect for the liberal-arts model and the residential education will serve him well as he guides Harvard College," Faust said.

In announcing the appointment, Smith said Khurana is a distinguished scholar of organizational behaviour and leadership, an award-winning teacher, and a dynamic House master who has also engaged deeply with undergraduate issues on important committees.

"He brings to the deanship an intimate understanding of the Harvard College experience, a profound commitment to the values of a liberal-arts education, and a warm and compassionate personality that accompanies his belief in the importance of community and an inclusive approach to decision-making," Smith said.

Khurana, who earned his Ph.D. through a joint programme between HBS and Harvard's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in 1998, said he is "honoured" to be appointed as Dean and to "create a transformative educational experience" for the students.

"I am convinced that, working together, we will have a significant and positive impact on the College," he said. Harvard Business School's India-born Dean Nitin Nohria also welcomed Khurana's appointment saying that his selection is a testament to his skill and vision as a teacher and scholar.

"I think the appointment is wonderful news, and I am looking forward to working with Rakesh to identify and strengthen efforts across the College and HBS that will benefit us all," Nohria said.

PTI