History of Alan Garber in Timeline

Alan Michael Garber is an American physician and health economist. He is the 31st president of Harvard University, assuming the role on January 2, 2024. As an educator, he brings expertise in both medicine and economics to the leadership of a prominent academic institution.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

May 7, 1955: Alan Garber Born

On May 7, 1955, Alan Michael Garber was born. He is an American physician and health economist.

1955: Birth in Illinois

In 1955, Alan Garber was born in Illinois to Harry and Jean Garber in a Jewish household and grew up in Rock Island, Illinois.

1976: Obtained Bachelor of Arts in economics

In 1976, Alan Garber obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Harvard College.

1983: Received Doctor of Medicine Degree

In 1983, Alan Garber received a Doctor of Medicine degree from Stanford University while simultaneously pursuing his Ph.D. at Harvard.

1986: Completed Residency Training

In 1986, Alan Garber completed his residency training in internal medicine at Harvard Medical School-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

September 1, 2011: Appointed Provost of Harvard University

On September 1, 2011, Alan Garber succeeded Steven Hyman as the provost of Harvard University.

2011: Appointed as provost of Harvard

In 2011, Alan Garber was appointed as provost of Harvard, and has been compensated for serving on the board of directors for Exelixis and Vertex Pharmaceuticals since then.

July 2016: Harvard Responds to Unionization Efforts

In July 2016, Harvard University's Office of the Provost launched a web page in response to its graduate students' efforts to unionize.

August 23, 2016: Harvard's Stance on Unionization

On August 23, 2016, the provost's office at Harvard emailed students stating their belief that unionization would disrupt academic programs and freedoms.

November 2016: Garber Defends Harvard's Appeal

In November 2016, following a decision by the regional director of the National Labor Relations Board, Alan Garber defended Harvard's appeal to the National Labor Relations Board regarding unionization.

October 2019: Report on Garber's Compensation from Corporate Boards

In October 2019, The Harvard Crimson reported that Alan Garber collected more than $2.7 million serving on the board of directors for Exelixis and Vertex Pharmaceuticals since being appointed as Harvard's provost in 2011.

January 2, 2024: Became President of Harvard University

On January 2, 2024, Alan Garber became the 31st president of Harvard University.

March 14, 2024: Left post as Provost of Harvard University

On March 14, 2024, Alan Garber stepped down as provost of Harvard University, and John F. Manning took on the position on an interim basis.

August 2, 2024: Named Permanent President of Harvard

On August 2, 2024, the Harvard Corporation announced that Alan Garber would be the university's permanent president for a fixed term of three years.

December 7, 2024: Installed as 31st President of Harvard University

On December 7, 2024, Alan Garber was officially installed as Harvard's 31st president at a private ceremony at Harvard Art Museums' Menschel Hall.

April 11, 2025: Trump Administration Threatens Harvard's Funding

On April 11, 2025, the Trump administration sent a letter to Alan Garber threatening to cut back billions in federal funding unless Harvard accepted government demands regarding viewpoints and pro-Palestinian student organizations.