Harvard University Latest COVID Information Search Menu Leadership and Governance ABOUT HARVARD LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE Officers and Deans More Leadership President Lawrence S. Bacow leads Harvard as the 29th President of the University. Office of the President Office of the Provost The Office of the Provost, led by Provost Alan M. Garber, manages changes in University-wide policies and practices. Office of the Provost School Leadership Harvard’s Schools are led by officers and deans, who are responsible for Harvard’s academic programs and curricula. Officers and Deans Governing Boards By charter, Harvard has two governing boards. Through their complementary efforts, the two governing bodies perform the essential roles ordinarily associated with a board of trustees. Together, the boards help to shape the University’s agenda, inquire into the quality and progress of its activities, and assure that Harvard remains true to its mission. Harvard Corporation The Harvard Corporation, also known as the President and Fellows of Harvard College, is the smaller of Harvard’s two governing boards. Chartered in 1650, the Corporation exercises fiduciary responsibility with regard to the University’s academic, financial, and physical resources and overall well-being. It consists of the President, the Treasurer, and other members known as Fellows. The Corporation is currently in the process of expanding from seven to 13 members and elaborating its committee structure in light of reforms adopted by the governing boards in December 2010. Learn more about the Harvard Corporation Opens new window Board of Overseers The Board of Overseers is the larger of Harvard’s two governing boards. Established in 1642, the Board of Overseers is made up of Harvard University alumni. The Board typically gathers five times per year and is tasked with a number of essential duties, including directing the visitation process, which is the primary means for periodic external assessment of Harvard’s Schools and departments. The goal of these assessments, conducted through the Board’s various committees, is to ensure that Harvard remains true to its charter as a place of learning. The Board also provides counsel to the University’s leadership on priorities, plans, and strategic initiatives. New members of the board are elected each spring by Harvard degree holders (excluding officers of government or instruction at the University and members of the Corporation). Learn more about the Board of Overseers Opens new window Related News Helena Foulkes and Lindsay Chase-Lansdale to lead Overseers Helena Buonanno Foulkes, a leader in consumer health care and retail, has been elected president of Harvard University’s Board of Overseers for the 2021-22 academic year. P. Lindsay Chase-Lansdale, a developmental psychologist and former vice provost for academics at Northwestern University, will be vice chair of the board’s executive committee. View Article Security & Brand Report Copyright Infringement Report Security Issue Trademark Notice Website Accessibility Digital Accessibility Privacy Statement Get In Touch Contact Harvard Maps & Directions Jobs © 2021 The President and Fellows of Harvard College Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube 0:00 0:00