Gross assembles senior staff, completes integration of offices:

Benedict H. Gross, dean of Harvard College, has assembled his senior staff for the Office of the Dean of Harvard College and completed the consolidation of this office with the Office of the Dean for Undergraduate Education, as begun this spring.

“We start the school year with a talented staff and an integrated office that supports the academic, residential, and extracurricular needs of our students,” said Gross. The College dean’s office, shaped by Gross in consultation with the senior staff from both offices, retains existing staff, adjusts the duties of some members, and adds a new position designed to facilitate communication both within the office and with other parts of the University.

“This is an extraordinary group of people, whose collective experience administering the College is outstanding by every measure,” said Gross, who became College dean on July 1. “I look forward to the work we’ll do together.”

Georgene Herschbach, associate dean since 1996, will continue to oversee the financial and administrative aspects of the College. Her work includes managing the College budget, coordinating major capital projects, overseeing staffing, and handling information technology issues.

Thomas Dingman, senior tutor of Dudley House, will continue to serve as associate dean of Harvard College, with primary responsibility for residential life and health issues. His duties include chairing the Committee on House Life, serving as liaison to the Harvard police and to undergraduate athletics, and coordinating the College Visiting Committee with the Board of Overseers. He will additionally oversee the work of the secretary of the Administrative Board.

Jeffrey Wolcowitz, senior lecturer in economics and formerly associate dean for undergraduate education, will serve as associate dean of Harvard College, with oversight of the Office for Undergraduate Education. Administrative director of the ongoing review of undergraduate education, Wolcowitz also manages the instructional budget, works with academic departments and head tutors, and oversees the directors of the Core Program, expository writing, the Freshman Seminar Program, the Office of International Programs, and the Bok Center for Teaching and Learning.

Judith H. Kidd, who has directed Phillips Brooks House (PBH) since 1996 and served as assistant dean of Harvard College for public service, has been named acting associate dean of Harvard College, focusing on student activities, extracurricular space, and counseling services. In addition to directing PBH, Kidd will chair the Committee on College Life and oversee the directors of the Office for the Arts, the Harvard Foundation, the Bureau of Study Counsel, and the Office for Career Services.

Elizabeth Studley Nathans, dean of freshmen since 1992, will continue to oversee all aspects of freshman life. Nathans serves as College liaison with University Health Services and will direct the College’s Crisis Response Team.

Elizabeth Doherty, senior lecturer on social studies and formerly special assistant to the dean for undergraduate education, will hold the newly created position of special assistant to the dean of Harvard College. As special assistant, she will coordinate College senior staff meetings and serve as a liaison with other University offices, including those of the provost and the president. Doherty enters her third year as director of the Freshman Seminars Program, and will work closely with the director of the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response.

“This senior team, and our assistant deans and other staff, ensure maximum continuity while allowing us to think creatively about the ways we support our students’ myriad needs,” said Gross. “We have the best students in our charge, and we are committed to doing our best to serve them.”

In addition to these senior staff, Gross announced two other appointments: Jennifer Johnston, who recently served as executive assistant to the dean of Harvard College, will now direct the Harvard Parents Association, with responsibility for the Freshman Host Family Program, Freshman Weekend and Junior Parents Weekend, and communications with parents. She will also serve as special assistant for tutor orientation and dean’s office publications.

Anna-Lisa Plant ’98 joins the staff as the new executive assistant to the dean of Harvard College and as office manager.