Lawrence D. Bobo announced his resignation as dean of Harvard’s School of Social Sciences, citing personal issues as the reason. David Cutler, a professor of economics, will take over as interim dean for the next two years during budget constraints. Report Harvard Crimson, a university newspaper.
Lawrence D. Bobo, dean of Harvard’s Department of Social Sciences, has resigned from his role. He will take sabbatical for the 2025-26 grade. This will be confirmed in a recent email to faculty by Hopi E. Hextra, the dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
David M. Cutler, a current interim dean and professor of economics, temporarily filled in after Bobo took an unexpected leave in the spring of 2025, will continue as interim dean for another two years until a permanent successor is found in the fall of 2026. In gratitude to Bobo’s contribution, Hoekstra highlighted his leadership over the past six years and his commitment to Harvard’s education and research missions.
Bobo expressed his feelings about leaving, saying he was “privileged” to serve the role and was proud to see social science flourish under his leadership. Bobo’s leadership has not been without competition, particularly due to recent manipulation works seeking “sanctionable restrictions” on teacher speeches that sparked debates over academic freedom.
Bobo’s resignation comes as Harvard faces critical challenges, including budget constraints exacerbated by the potential funding issues of federal funding under the Trump administration. Hoekstra has already advised faculty members to write because of the potential for a 20% budget cut, and has stopped non-essential spending.
David M. Cutler is an experienced economist with deep ties to health policies, including advice to Clinton and President Obama, bringing rich experience in the role of academia and government. As the University Bureau prepares to begin a permanent search for the dean next fall, Cutler will need to navigate the administrative and financial hurdles facing Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
This story was originally It has been reported In Harvard Crimson by William C. Mao and Veronica H. Paulus.
Image credits: Harvard University / Harvard Economics
