Harvard University has honored economist Claudia Goldin with her appointment as Samuel W. Morris University Professor. The title of University Professor is one of the highest distinctions a faculty member can receive. This title, introduced in 1935, recognizes individuals whose work transcends multiple disciplines. 

The appointments were announced in the Harvard Gazette. Goldin is among four faculty members awarded the title, which was also granted within the fields of Medicine, Law, and Physical Sciences as well. 

Harvard President Alan M. Garber praised the newly appointed University Professors as "outstanding colleagues" embodying the university's commitment to academic excellence. He highlighted their contributions to both scholarly pursuits and the wider community. 

Goldin, currently the Henry Lee Professor of Economics and the Lee and Ezpeleta Professor of Arts and Sciences, is celebrated for her groundbreaking research in economic history, particularly regarding women's labor market outcomes, the gender earnings gap, and the challenges women face in balancing career and family. In 2023 she was awarded the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences for her advancements in this critical area of study. 

In a recent statement, Goldin expressed her gratitude for the new role, stating, "I am deeply honored and thank President Garber for this unique opportunity." She plans to introduce a course focused on the interdisciplinary insights of economic history, furthering the mission of a University Professor. 

Goldin has a long-standing reputation; her notable works include “The Race between Education and Technology” and "Career and Family: Women’s Century-Long Journey Toward Equity," the latter translated into over a dozen languages. She is actively involved in various economic research initiatives and recognized by numerous academic societies. 

As Goldin steps into her new role, she aims to explore the dynamics of women’s rights and the evolving landscape of caregiving benefits in the U.S., contributing to a deeper understanding of societal change.

_{^{Image Credit: Mark James Dunn / Harvard Gazette and Kris Snibbe / Harvard University and Stephanie Mitchell / Harvard University}}