Dear Harvard College Students,

Earlier today, President Bacow sent a message to the Harvard community sharing the news that he has appointed Dean of Students Katie O'Dair the next University Marshal. She will begin her new role on October 1. We will start a search for her successor during the fall semester.

In the meantime, I have asked Associate Dean of Students Lauren Brandt ’01 to serve as Interim Dean of Students after Dean O'Dair's departure. Before being appointed Associate Dean of Students in 2018, Dean Brandt worked in numerous capacities for the College, including Assistant Dean for Academic Integrity, Resident Dean, Sophomore Advising Coordinator, and Resident Tutor for Leverett House. 

As I sat down to write this message, I searched for the right words to capture how special Dean O’Dair is and how much she has done for the College. Dean O’Dair’s commitment to Harvard College students has been unwavering, and countless Harvard undergraduates have benefitted from her leadership. During her six years as Dean of Students, Dean O’Dair oversaw many important changes at the College, including creating the new Dean of Students Office, establishing the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) team to strengthen inclusion and belonging at the College, and assembling a committed Student Engagement team to support our many student organizations. In addition, last year, Dean O’Dair and her team coordinated efforts to welcome the largest first-year class in Harvard's history.  

I could fill a library listing the significant accomplishments that have taken place under Dean O’Dair’s leadership. But what I value most about her are the attributes that don't appear on a resume or list of achievements. I will miss her warm and welcoming nature, her inclusive and nurturing approach to leading the excellent staff throughout the DSO, and most of all, her devotion to all of you. We have all benefited from her deep commitment to helping others and the passion she brings to all of her endeavors.

I hope you will join me in thanking Dean O’Dair for all she has done for our community and congratulating her on her new role.

Semper veritas,

Rakesh Khurana
Danoff Dean of Harvard College