Alan M. Garber will remain Harvard’s president beyond his originally scheduled term, the university announced Monday, signaling strong confidence in a leader who assumed control during a period of heightened political scrutiny. Garber had been expected to serve through June 2027, but the governing board confirmed his appointment is now indefinite.
Penny Pritzker, chair of Harvard’s board, praised Garber’s “humble, resilient and effective leadership” as a stabilizing force in turbulent times that has helped maintain the university’s commitment to academic excellence and free inquiry. Garber expressed that he is “profoundly honored” by the trust placed in him. A longtime Harvard figure, Garber previously served as provost and became interim president in January 2024 following Claudine Gay’s resignation amid a congressional hearing on allegations of antisemitism and plagiarism. His tenure has coincided with ongoing political battles, including challenges from the Trump administration regarding race-conscious admissions, international student policies, and funding disputes.
Garber has resisted political pressure, including a freeze on roughly $2 billion in federal funds, which Harvard successfully challenged in court. Negotiations between the university and the federal government have continued, with Trump proposing a $500 million settlement, while parts of the Harvard community have urged the university to maintain its opposition. Garber, who took a 25 percent pay cut earlier this year amid financial uncertainty, has earned more than half a million dollars in base salary and additional compensation. His Harvard affiliation spans five decades, holding three degrees in economics and a medical degree from Stanford, and includes extensive academic work in health policy both at Harvard and Stanford.