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Gross to Step Down as Dean of Harvard College
Cambridge, Mass. - June 20, 2007 - Harvard College Dean Benedict H. Gross announced today that he will conclude his service as dean on Aug. 31, 2007. In making the announcement, Gross said that, with the conclusion of the legislative process of the curricular review, the time seems appropriate to move on to other projects.
"There are few in this University with as much drive, determination and dedication as Dick Gross," said David Pilbeam, interim dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. "His hard work has brought us curricular reform, invigorated student life on campus, wonderful new facilities for students, as well as innovative courses. I am very grateful for his service, and thank him for his numerous contributions."
"Dick Gross has worked with remarkable energy and devotion to enhance the quality of life for Harvard undergraduates, during a period of significant positive change," said President Derek Bok. "I join in thanking him for all he has done for the College and especially for its students."
Gross, the George Vasmer Leverett Professor of Mathematics, became Dean of Harvard College on July 1, 2003, following the consolidation of the offices of the dean of Undergraduate Education and the dean of Harvard College. Gross had been the dean of Undergraduate Education before the merger.
As Dean of the College, Gross implemented the consolidation plan and developed the office staff. With his team in place, the timing of concentration selection was changed, giving students an extra semester to choose; secondary fields were introduced; a new sequence of introductory science courses was put in place; the number of freshman seminars was greatly increased, and the Advising Programs Office was created. Further while he was dean, several new facilities were built and student support programs put in place, including the Women's Center, the Student's Organization Center in Hilles, the café in Lamont Library, the Harvard Dance Center, and the Queen's Head Pub in Loker Commons.
Gross joined the Harvard faculty in 1985, and has served as chair of the Department of Mathematics, and as a member of the Standing Committee on the Core Curriculum, the Educational Policy Committee, and the Committee on Admissions and Financial Aid. He also served as a member of the faculty committee that conducted the last major review of the Core Curriculum in 1997.
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