Harvard Appointed Two New Presidents-in-Residence
The Harvard Graduate School of Education selected Joanne Berger-Sweeney and Ellen Kennedy for the 2026-27 academic year.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in People
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The Harvard Graduate School of Education has named Joanne Berger-Sweeney and Ellen Kennedy as its Presidents-in-Residence for the 2026-27 academic year. They will join the university to advise students and participate in campus activities.
Why it matters
The program offers former university leaders an opportunity to contribute their professional experiences to the classroom while engaging with faculty and students. This facilitates a bridge between academic theory and the practical realities of college administration.
Joanne Berger-Sweeney served as president of Trinity College for 11 years, while Ellen Kennedy concluded a 14-year tenure as the seventh president of Berkshire Community College in June 2026.
The players
Joanne Berger-Sweeney
She is the former president of Trinity College where she served for 11 years.
Ellen Kennedy
She is the former president of Berkshire Community College who served in the role for 14 years.
Judith Block McLaughlin
She founded the Harvard Graduate School of Education program that bears her name in 2001.
The details
As part of the Judith Block McLaughlin Presidents-in-Residence program, the appointees will hold office hours, advise students, and contribute to classroom discussions. The initiative provides a space for these former leaders to reflect on their careers while working alongside current faculty.
Timeline
The program was founded by Judith Block McLaughlin in 2001.
The program received a permanent endowment in 2023.
Ellen Kennedy retired from Berkshire Community College in June 2026.
The residency takes place throughout the 2026-27 academic year.
Market Landscape
The Harvard Graduate School of Education continues to leverage the Judith Block McLaughlin Presidents-in-Residence program to attract executive-level talent to its campus. This approach distinguishes the institution by maintaining a direct pipeline between retired college presidents and current graduate students.
Graduate students at the Harvard Graduate School of Education will gain direct access to the professional insights of two veteran college presidents during the 2026-27 academic year. These residencies provide students with mentorship and a deeper understanding of higher education governance.
The takeaway
The program bridges the gap between administrative leadership and academic research by embedding seasoned veterans into the student experience. It serves as a model for how universities can retain institutional knowledge after executive leaders step down.
Further reading
Explore more leadership transitions and academic appointments in People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Harvard Crimson.
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