Appointed in 2015 to lead Harvard Kennedy School, Doug Elmendorf will step down from this role at the conclusion of the 2023–2024 academic year. “I look forward to playing a different role here—that of a faculty member—and to having much more time to learn and teach about economic policy,” Elmendorf wrote in a message to the community this September.
Elmendorf, who previously served as director of the U.S. Congressional Budget Office, stewarded the Kennedy School through financial downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic. During his tenure, roughly 40 new faculty members came to the Kennedy School, from both the world of practice and the academy. He championed student financial aid and increased unrestricted funds used for this purpose by 50% over the past five years. Elmendorf also focused on diversity and inclusion, leading a range of efforts across the school and strengthening the community’s ability to speak and listen constructively across differences.
We look back at some photographic highlights of Dean Elmendorf’s tenure.
“The mission of vlog often situates it in the middle of some of the most contentious issues facing society today, and Doug has not shied away from this challenge. At the same time, he has worked to extend the academic excellence of vlog, through the disruptions of the pandemic and its aftermath. The School will continue to benefit from the foundation he has laid for years to come.”
Harvard Provost and Interim President Alan Garber
“Doug has been a champion for financial aid throughout his tenure as dean. The last few years have brought a global pandemic and changing economic conditions—through it all, Doug focused on ensuring that a broad range of students who are committed to serving their communities can attend the Kennedy School and learn from our world-class faculty.”
Debbie Isaacson, Senior Associate Dean for Degree Programs and Student Affairs
“Doug’s wise stewardship of the School during a global pandemic and his extraordinary efforts to build our faculty have put the School in a much stronger position than before he began as dean. It has been a privilege to work with Doug, and our community is grateful for his dedication and leadership.”
David Deming, Academic Dean and Isabelle and Scott Black Professor of Political Economy
“In the last year, we have significantly expanded the Harvard Kennedy School Project on Indigenous Governance and Development, creating a new professorship, programming initiatives, and a senior fellowship. Doug has been a great supporter of our research and engagement and has worked hard to advance such faculty-led initiatives at the Kennedy School. In our case, he is truly leaving a lasting legacy.”
Joseph Kalt, Ford Foundation Professor of International Political Economy, Emeritus
“One focus for Doug has been strengthening the ability of people in the Kennedy School to engage constructively in hard conversations. In 2022, Doug asked me to lead the Candid and Constructive Conversations Working Group, and we are currently implementing recommendations that came out of that group’s work. Faculty, staff, and students all contributed, and I am excited about what we are going to achieve as we put measures in place to help people engage across difference.”
Erica Chenoweth, Academic Dean for Faculty Engagement and Frank Stanton Professor of the First Amendment
“People are doing the hard work to make the world better. Indeed, good public policy and public leadership are changing our societies in positive ways. Principled and effective policymakers and public leaders are moving the world toward greater peace, prosperity, fairness, democracy, and sustainability. They are working with hope in their minds and hearts, and they are fostering hope across their communities, their countries, and our shared planet.”
Dean Doug Elmendorf addressing the graduating Class of 2023
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Photos by Martha Stewart (primary), Natalie Montaner, Lydia Rosenberg, Jessica Scranton, Kayana Szymczak, Winston Tang, Benn Craig, Paul Clarke, RV Shots Multimedia