Gay also stands as only the second woman to helm the university since its founding in 1640 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
During her inaugural address, Gay articulated her vision for the Ivy League institution, acknowledging the weight and honor of this groundbreaking appointment. “I stand before you today humbled by the prospect of leading Harvard,” remarked Gay amidst a rainy inauguration ceremony last Friday. “Emboldened by the trust you have placed in me and energized by your own commitment to this singular institution and to the common cause of higher education.
Harvard Corporation, the university’s main governing body, chose Gay after an extensive search process. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, who attended Harvard, praised Gay’s presidency in a speech. She called it a “truly historic” moment and expressed her admiration and support. Gay earned her Ph.D. in government from Harvard in 1998 and joined the faculty in 2006.
Outgoing president Lawrence Bacow characterized her as “a person of bedrock integrity,” according to CNN. Bacow also expressed confidence in Gay’s “moral compass,” which he said remains essential for guiding the prestigious university. He praised the search committee for choosing Gay and predicted a bright future under her leadership.Amsterdam News is renowned for its reporting of the news of the day from a Black perspective for 113 years.