Dear Harvard College Students,

I write today to share with you that after 45 years of outstanding service to Harvard College and its students, Dean of Freshmen Tom Dingman ’67 has decided to step down from his role at the end of the 2017-2018 academic year.

Dean Dingman has influenced the lives of countless students during their time at the College. Those of us who have had the pleasure of working with Dean Dingman have come to value his integrity, the calming presence that he brings to all situations, and the passion he has for helping students make the transition from home and high school to Harvard College. His leadership and mentorship will be truly missed.

Dean Dingman has held numerous roles in his time at Harvard. He began his career in the Admissions office, later serving as the Allston Burr Senior Tutor (now Resident Dean) of Leverett House and Dudley House. In addition to his House service, he was also Assistant Dean and Associate Dean of Harvard College. In each of his roles, Dean Dingman created environments to ensure students could flourish. In his role as dean of freshmen, in particular, Dean Dingman was responsible for reorganizing the office’s staff, putting new emphasis on students’ ethical development, and launching – with the help of the entire FDO staff - initiatives to heighten a sense of belonging, like Convocation. He was also responsible for initiatives designed to create the conditions for students’ personal transformation, like the series entitled Reflecting on your Life. Under Dean Dingman’s leadership, more opportunities have been created for informed student-faculty interaction and for taking a break from the intellectual rigor to relax and enjoy the company of peers.

During my time as Dean of the College, Dean Dingman has been my valued partner and friend. Given his deep commitment to the stewardship of Harvard College, I have asked Dean Dingman to stay on in a limited capacity after his retirement as a Special Adviser to me, as Dean of the College. In this capacity, Dean Dingman will assist me with various special projects, including in the College’s fundraising efforts to support the student experience. I am grateful for his continued service to Harvard College.

We will announce plans for the search for Dean Dingman’s replacement in the near future.

Warmly,
Dean Khurana
Danoff Dean of Harvard College