Shots In The Dark: A Different Kind of American Dream

Friday, February 09, 2007

A Different Kind of American Dream

The Harvard Crimson and the Boston Globe both report today that Drew Gilpin Faust is expected to be the next president of Harvard, pending confirmation by the Overseers, who are apparently holding a special meeting on Sunday.

There are other female university presidents, of course, and even other Ivy League female presidents.

Nonetheless, the fact that a woman will be at the head of the most famous institution of higher learning in the world is something to be remarked upon. Is it overdue? I'm not sure. But it is certainly time. And the fact that we learn this news on the day of Anna Nicole Smith's death seems somehow appropriate: While one woman's life ends—a life based on fantasy—another woman's life, one based on hard work, reaches a new pinnacle. There's a certain poetry in that.

Much will be said, pro and con, about Ms. Faust in the days to come. Advice will pour in from all quarters. The left wing will cheer, the right wing will jeer.

But for the moment, let us just offer her congratulations and best wishes.

¶ 9:24 AM

Comments:

"Nonetheless, the fact that a woman will be at the head of the most famous institution of higher learning in the world is something to be remarked upon. Is it overdue? I'm not sure. But it is certainly time. And the fact that we learn this news on the day of Anna Nicole Smith's death seems somehow appropriate: While one woman's life ends—a life based on fantasy—another woman's life, one based on hard work, reaches a new pinnacle. There's a certain poetry in that."

Where to begin...

# posted by Anonymous : February 9, 2007 9:44 AM

Well, come on then! Don't wimp out like that. Let's hear it.

(I love these anonymous comments that imply enormous disdain, but do so without a) having the guts to say who they are, and b) actually making a point. You can get away with one of the two, but not both.)

# posted by Richard Bradley : February 9, 2007 10:02 AM

felix faustumque praesidente Fausta sit!

# posted by Richard Thomas : February 9, 2007 10:02 AM

Professor Thomas, I was pretty good at Latin—in 9th grade. A little help, please!

# posted by Richard Bradley : February 9, 2007 10:03 AM

Sorry:
"May the presidency of Faust be prosperous and favorable (faustum)"

# posted by richard thomas : February 9, 2007 10:07 AM

Indeed.

# posted by Richard Bradley : February 9, 2007 10:13 AM

did anyone else notice that the globe article doesn't actually report that faust had been chosen? they're very careful only to insinuate... very sneaky.

# posted by Anonymous : February 9, 2007 10:47 AM

The Crimson actually reported this last night.

# posted by Anonymous : February 9, 2007 11:03 AM

Hallelujah!!! This truly marks the end of the Summers' era. Any of the other two candidates would have sent ambiguous messages about this. With this appointment the Corporation is sending an unequivocal message to the Harvard Community and the Outside World.

It's a new Dawn at Harvard with Drew.

Run Larry, run!

# posted by Anonymous : February 9, 2007 11:09 AM

I hope this marks the end of the beating the horse of Larry Summers. Come on 11:09---I have no defense to make of him---but is this really the occasion to resurrect LS for the purposes of insulting him. Give it a rest. You ill serve the new President in this lack of graciousness.

# posted by Anonymous : February 9, 2007 11:19 AM

Agreed with above. The Killer M's really danced their way through the story.

Richard, I realize you're interviewing Bucky Dent and busy with your grande latte in Boca, but did you really post three times as much on Anna Nicole Smith as Drew Gilpin Faust?

There's no poetry in that.

# posted by Anonymous : February 9, 2007 11:30 AM

I'm actually a "short cappuccino" kind of guy...and I'm back from Boca. But hold on there—I have a feeling I'll be writing quite a bit about Drew Faust in the months to come. For the moment, I want to ponder in my own head some of the implications of this choice.

# posted by Richard Bradley : February 9, 2007 11:33 AM

The first being, the over/under on how long she'll last?

# posted by Anonymous : February 9, 2007 5:59 PM

OK, I'll take that up. I say at least 10 years and no more than 12. $100. Any takers?

# posted by Richard Thomas : February 10, 2007 12:24 AM

She could well rule 10 years, maybe more. It all depends on how bold she proves to be in cleaning up the messes that are brewing in several deparments and schools.

Drew has a real opportunity to change leadership all around to a much greater extent than any previous President. Let's see whether she avails herself of this option while she still has widespread good will and support among the faculty.

# posted by Anonymous : February 10, 2007 7:52 AM

Some things never change. The women are the ones who have to clean up the mess.
And, by the way, the Globe did not nail the story--all they did was speculate. Crimson scooped everyone, and they had it as their headline.

# posted by Anonymous : February 11, 2007 12:04 PM

It may be the case that women always have to clean up the mess, but it is COMPETENT women who ultimately do this effective. Drew Faust will be in an excellent position to support and advance competent women to positions of leadership, and to remove those who have proven unworthy of their leadership roles.

# posted by Anonymous : February 11, 2007 5:39 PM

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