Altshuler, the former dean of New York University's Graduate School of Public Administration, will remain in the post until a permanent dean is selected. "It is important for the School to have such strong and capable leadership during this period of transition," said Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers. "Professor Altshuler is well qualified to lead the School during such a period," said Summers.

Current GSD dean, Peter Rowe, announced in the fall that he would be stepping down at the end of this academic year. "We have made good progress and identified some very interesting candidates," said Summers. Summers had concluded earlier that it would not be feasible for a permanent dean to be appointed and take up his or her duties before July 1, when Rowe steps down.

Altshuler teaches courses on urban politics and land use and has also co-taught studio courses at the GSD. He is an experienced administrator, having led the Taubman Center for State and Local Government at the Kennedy School and served as academic dean of the School. He has also been a member of the University's Physical Planning Committee and of the Allston master planning task force. He currently serves on the design dean search advisory group.