Dear Harvard College Students,

I hope you are enjoying a restful and restorative break, and I am looking forward to seeing you back on campus soon. I am writing today to share the exciting news that Thomas Dunne will join us as the new Dean of Students for Harvard College. Dean Dunne will be coming to Harvard from Princeton University, where he has served in the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students for more than twenty years, currently as Deputy Dean of Students.

Over the last several months, I have had the opportunity to spend some time with Dean Dunne, and I have been so impressed with his deep appreciation for undergraduate education and his investment in young people's experiences during their time as students. In discussions with Dean Dunne's students at Princeton, I heard story after story of how he has spent time with them in their dining halls, attended their events, championed their ideas, and helped them when they needed help. He views his work with students not just as a job but as a calling to create meaningful, inclusive spaces for every student.

I also learned of his deep commitment to his colleagues, particularly working with new professionals to help them shape their careers and become invested in the student affairs field. I came to know Dean Dunne as a principled, inspiring, and creative person who I am confident will bring this same sense of dedication and broad talents to Harvard. I look forward to partnering with him to create a welcoming, transformative experience for our community.

Since Dean O'Dair took on her new role as University Marshal last fall, Associate Dean of Students Lauren Brandt has served as our Interim Dean of Students. I am so grateful to Dean Brandt and the entire team in the Dean of Students Office for their tremendous devotion to our community and the passion they bring to their work every day. Their tireless efforts are one of the reasons that Harvard College is such a special place. I am also grateful to the search committee and the many students, faculty, and staff who participated in the search process for our new Dean of Students. Your insightful questions and generous feedback were invaluable to me, and you were warm ambassadors for our institution, to Dean Dunne's great benefit.

Dean Dunne will begin his tenure as Dean of Students on June 1. Please join me in welcoming him and his family to the Harvard College community.

Semper veritas,

Rakesh Khurana
Danoff Dean of Harvard College