Drew Gilpin Faust

Drew Gilpin Faust is an American historian and educator, best known for her role as the 28th president of Harvard University, where she served from 2007 to 2018. Born on September 18, 1947, in New York City, Faust earned her Ph.D. in history from University of Pennsylvania and quickly established herself as a leading scholar of American history. Her work focuses on the Civil War, Southern history, and the intersection of gender and memory. Faust’s scholarship has contributed significantly to understanding the emotional and cultural dimensions of war and society.

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Drew Gilpin Faust has written several influential books, including "This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War" (2008), which explores the profound impact of death and mourning during the Civil War. Her work is characterized by deep historical analysis and empathy, shedding light on the human experiences behind pivotal events in American history. Faust is also a strong advocate for education, emphasizing the role of universities in shaping public policy and advancing social progress.

One of Drew Gilpin Faust's memorable quotes is, "The past is never dead. It's not even past." This reflects her belief in the enduring relevance of history and how understanding the past can shape contemporary issues. Faust’s leadership at Harvard and her contributions to historical scholarship have cemented her as a key figure in both education and the study of American history.