Who Is Harvard President Alan Garber, Standing Strong Against Trump's Revocation?

“Of course it’s bigger than Harvard, because we look at what’s at risk here. What’s at risk is the excellence of higher education in the United States, and in particular the research mission of many of our universities, which plays such a vital role in the U.S. economy and in the health and well-being of the American people." – Alan M. Garber, President, Harvard University.

In April 2025, Garber highlighted the national implications of the Trump administration’s actions, particularly for research universities, in the context of the funding freeze and Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) revocation.

On May 22, the Trump administration revoked Harvard University's eligibility to admit international students, sparking widespread concern. Alan M. Garber, Harvard University's president, has taken a firm stance against the administration's policies. As a vocal critic, he has consistently spoken out against decisions he believes threaten academic freedom and intellectual diversity. Garber's leadership has been marked by his unwavering commitment to the values of higher education. His criticism of the administration has earned him widespread respect from the academic community.

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Who is Alan M Garber?

Alan M. Garber was born in 1955 in Rock Island, Illinois, to Jean and Harry Garber. He graduated from Rock Island High School in 1973, growing up in a practising Jewish family. His father, a liquor store owner, was also a talented violinist who played with the Quad Cities Symphony. Garber has a twin sister, Deborah, an artist, and an older brother, David, who resides in Jerusalem.

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Alan And Harvard Connection

Alan M. Garber's connection to Harvard University spans over five decades. He graduated summa cum laude from Harvard College with an AB in Economics in 1976, followed by an AM in Economics in 1977. He then earned his PhD in Economics from Harvard in 1982 and an MD from Stanford University School of Medicine in the same year. Before joining Harvard, he was a faculty member at Stanford University from 1986 to 2011."

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Alan Garber took over as Harvard's interim president in early 2024 following Claudine Gay's resignation amid concerns over her handling of pro-Palestinian protests and anti-Semitism on campus. However, Garber's steady leadership impressed the university community, and by August he was appointed permanent president.

Alan Garber has become a key figure in the high-stakes showdown between Harvard University and the Trump administration. Despite the freeze on 2.2 billion in federal grants and potential further repercussions, Garber's steadfast leadership has earned him widespread praise.

Garber's Personal Side

Alan Garber met his wife, oncologist Anne Yahanda, while working at Brigham and Women's Hospital. The couple has four children. Currently, Garber serves as Harvard University's Provost and holds the Mallinckrodt Professorship of Health Care Policy at Harvard Medical School. He also holds faculty positions at the Harvard Kennedy School and the Department of Economics.