David Deming, a renowned economist and faculty leader at Harvard, has been appointed as the new Danoff Dean of Harvard College. Starting July 1, Deming will step into this critical leadership role, succeeding Rakesh Khurana after 11 years of service.
Deming, who has made significant contributions to education, labor markets, and economic inequality, brings a wealth of experience to the position. His appointment marks a new chapter for Harvard College as it navigates the evolving landscape of higher education.
A Storied Career at Harvard
David Deming’s journey at Harvard has been marked by his dedication to research and teaching.
He currently holds the position of Isabelle and Scott Black Professor of Political Economy at Harvard Kennedy School, as well as a professor of education and economics at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
In addition, he serves as faculty dean of Kirkland House. His academic journey has always been focused on the intersection of education, labor markets, and social mobility, which aligns well with the mission of Harvard College.
Deming’s experience as faculty dean at Kirkland House has allowed him to build meaningful connections with students outside the classroom, an experience he believes will inform his new role.
Under his leadership, Kirkland House has seen the creation of strong community traditions, such as intramural sports and the student-initiated “The Choosening” ceremony, which have fostered a sense of belonging among students.
A Focus on Education and Social Mobility
David Deming’s research is centered around how education can transform lives, particularly for low-income and first-generation students.
He is a principal investigator at the CLIMB Initiative at Opportunity Insights, which focuses on how higher education can drive social mobility.
His work has always been deeply connected to improving public policy and education systems to create better opportunities for more people.
“His work blends rigorous economic analysis with a strong sense of purpose: to ensure that education systems work better for more people,” said Hopi Hoekstra, Edgerley Family Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
His research on social mobility and labor markets is highly respected, and his expertise in these areas will play a critical role in shaping the experiences of Harvard College students moving forward.
Leadership and Achievements
Deming has held several leadership roles at Harvard, including serving as the director of the Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy at the Kennedy School and as academic dean at the Kennedy School, a role he held until 2024.
Throughout his career, Deming has demonstrated a commitment to addressing economic inequality and enhancing educational outcomes for all students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Deming has received several prestigious awards, including the Sherwin Rosen Prize for labor economics in 2022 and the David N. Kershaw Prize in 2018.
He is also a frequent contributor to publications like The New York Times and The Atlantic, where his insights into labor markets and education policy have reached a wider audience.
Vision for Harvard College
As Deming steps into the role of Danoff Dean of Harvard College, he brings a clear vision for the future. He is deeply committed to fostering intellectual rigor and enhancing the transformative power of a Harvard education.
His leadership will be vital as the College continues to adapt to the challenges of the modern educational landscape.
“I believe deeply in the intellectual rigor and transformative power of a Harvard College education and experience,” Deming said.
His vision includes building on Harvard’s legacy of academic excellence while addressing the evolving needs of students, especially in a rapidly changing world where technology and new economic challenges are reshaping education and employment.
David Deming’s appointment as Danoff Dean of Harvard College marks a pivotal moment in the university’s history. With his extensive academic background, leadership experience, and dedication to education and social mobility, Deming is poised to lead Harvard College into the future.
His expertise in labor markets, education policy, and economic inequality will ensure that Harvard continues to provide a world-class education while expanding opportunities for all students.
