A Black Woman is the President of Harvard University For the First Time in 400 Years

Nationwide — Claudine Gay has made history as Harvard University’s first Black president, a milestone in the prestigious institution’s nearly 400-year history.

Gay, who officially took oath last September 29, has been serving as the 30th president of the prestigious institution since July 1. Aside from being its first Black president, she is also the second woman to hold the position.

“I stand before you on this stage with the weight and the honor of being a first, able to say, ‘I am Claudine Gay, the president of Harvard University,'” Gay said in her inauguration speech, according to WCVB.

Her journey at Harvard began in 2006 when she joined as a government professor. Prior to assuming the role of president, she spent five years as the Edgerley Family Dean, leading Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Her previous role included serving as the dean of social science from 2015 to 2018.

Gay is a leading scholar in political behavior, specializing in race and politics in America. She’s also a dedicated educator and mentor, teaching courses on topics like racial politics and democratic citizenship.

Moreover, she currently serves on the boards of the Pew Research Center, Phillips Exeter Academy, and the American Academy of Political and Social Science.