Lawrence D. Bobo has announced his resignation as Harvard's Dean of Social Science, citing personal matters as the reason. David Cutler, an economics professor, will take over as interim dean for the next two academic years during a period of budget constraints, reports the Harvard Crimson, a college newspaper.

Harvard University's Dean of Social Science, Lawrence D. Bobo, is stepping down from his role. He will take a sabbatical for the 2025-26 academic year, as confirmed by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Dean Hopi E. Hoekstra in a recent email to the faculty. 

The current interim dean, Economics Professor David M. Cutler, who temporarily filled the position after Bobo took an unexpected leave of absence in spring 2025, will continue as interim dean for two more academic years until a permanent successor is found in the fall of 2026. Bobo is stepping down to address "pressing family matters". In appreciation of Bobo's contribution, Hoekstra highlighted his leadership over the past six years and his commitment to Harvard's teaching and research missions. 

Expressing his sentiments on leaving, Bobo stated he was "privileged" to serve in the role and took pride in seeing the social sciences thrive under his guidance. Bobo’s leadership was not without contention, notably for a recent op-ed piece urging for "sanctionable limits" on faculty speech, which stirred debates over academic freedom. 

The stepping down of Bobo comes at a time when Harvard confronts significant challenges, including budgetary constraints exacerbated by potential federal funding issues under the Trump administration. Hoekstra has already advised faculty to brace for a possible 20 percent budget cut and has halted non-essential expenditures. 

David M. Cutler, a seasoned economist with deep ties to health policy, including advising Presidents Clinton and Obama, brings extensive experience in academia and government roles. As the university administration prepares to initiate the search for a permanent dean next fall, Cutler will need to navigate through the administrative and financial hurdles facing Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

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This story was originally reported in the Harvard Crimson by William C. Mao and Veronica H. Paulus.

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_{^{Image Credits: Harvard University / Harvard Economics}}