History of Alan Garber in Timeline

Alan Michael Garber is an American physician and health economist. He is the current president of Harvard University, assuming the role on January 2, 2024. Garber was also elected to the American Philosophical Society in 2025. His background encompasses both medicine and economics, positioning him at the intersection of healthcare and higher education leadership.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

May 7, 1955: Alan Garber's birth

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 Jean and Harry Garber and later grew up in Rock Island, Illinois.

1976: Obtained BA in economics from Harvard

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

1983: Received M.D. degree from Stanford University

In 1983, Alan Garber received an M.D. degree from Stanford University while simultaneously pursuing his Ph.D.

1986: Completed residency at Brigham and Women's Hospital

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: Succeeded as Provost of Harvard University

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

July 2016: Harvard launched web page in response to unionization efforts

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

August 23, 2016: Provost office email to students regarding unionization

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

November 2016: Garber defended university appeal to the National Labor Relations Board

Following a decision by the regional director of the National Labor Relations Board, Alan Garber defended the university appeal to the National Labor Relations Board in Washington, D.C. during November 2016.

October 2019: Report on Garber's earnings from pharmaceutical company boards

In October 2019, it was reported that since being appointed as Harvard's provost in 2011, Alan Garber earned more than $2.7 million by serving on the boards of directors for Exelixis and Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

January 2, 2024: Appointed as interim president of Harvard University

On January 2, 2024, Alan Garber was initially appointed as the interim president of Harvard University, succeeding Claudine Gay.

March 14, 2024: Stepped down as provost of Harvard University

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

May 2024: Controversy over denying diplomas to pro-Palestinian protesters

In May 2024, the Harvard administration faced criticism for preventing 13 undergraduates from collecting their diplomas due to their participation in pro-Palestinian protests.

December 7, 2024: Appointed 31st president of Harvard University

On December 7, 2024, Alan Garber became the 31st president of Harvard University.

April 11, 2025: Trump administration threatened to cut federal funding to Harvard

On April 11, 2025, the Trump administration threatened to cut billions in federal funding unless Harvard accepted government demands regarding the viewpoints of students, faculty, and staff and pro-Palestinian student organizations.