Raymond J. Lohier Jr., a federal judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, has been appointed as the president of the Harvard University Board of Overseers for the 2026-2027 academic year. Sheryl WuDunn, an author and consultant with a Pulitzer Prize to her name, will serve as the vice chair of the board’s executive committee during the same period.
“Raymond Lohier and Sheryl WuDunn are esteemed alumni whose dedication to the University is evident in their service,” stated President Alan Garber. He emphasized their commitment to student welfare and interest in enhancing the visitation process, expressing anticipation for how their leadership will support the board’s initiatives.
The Board of Overseers, the larger of Harvard’s two governing bodies, is elected annually by Harvard degree holders. Overseers are crucial in steering the University’s governance and overseeing the visitation process, which is vital for the external evaluation of Harvard’s Schools and departments. The board, through its committees, assesses Harvard’s program quality and offers strategic advice to the University’s leadership.
“This role is about giving back,” Lohier remarked, acknowledging the privilege of serving on a board with talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. He highlighted the board’s dedication to ensuring Harvard’s departments and Schools maintain top-notch education and scholarship standards globally.
Lohier, who has been a federal judge since December 2010, started his career as a clerk to Judge Robert P. Patterson Jr. and later worked at Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton. He held several roles at the U.S. Department of Justice and served as an assistant U.S. attorney. Lohier has been involved with numerous professional and academic institutions and has actively participated in Harvard’s governance since 2021.
Sheryl WuDunn, the first Chinese-American Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, has co-authored five books and co-founded FullSky Partners. Her past roles include positions at Goldman, Sachs & Co. and The New York Times. WuDunn holds degrees from Cornell, Princeton, and Harvard Business School.
“It’s a significant honor to serve as vice chair with Ray Lohier and the other dedicated Overseers,” WuDunn stated, noting the critical role of the Overseers in maintaining the University’s excellence amid challenges facing higher education.
WuDunn is involved with several organizations, including BayFirst Financial Corp., and has held leadership roles at Princeton and Cornell. As a Harvard Overseer, she contributes to various committees and has engaged with visiting committees at Harvard Business School and other departments.
Lohier and WuDunn will assume their new roles following Commencement, succeeding Sylvia Mathews Burwell and Monica Bharel in their respective positions on the Board of Overseers.
Original Source: news.harvard.edu
