Harvard Names Conservative Legal Scholar as Permanent Provost

Harvard University appointed on Thursday a conservative legal scholar as provost, the university’s second-highest leadership position. The move comes as Harvard faces a congressional investigation into campus antisemitism while bracing for a new season of student protests against the Israel-Hamas war.

In announcing John F. Manning as the new permanent provost, Harvard’s president, Alan M. Garber, described him as “the right person for the moment in which we find ourselves,” adding that he had demonstrated “both humility and wisdom” in his current role.

Mr. Manning has been the university’s interim provost since March. He and Dr. Garber, who was named as president this month, have longstanding ties with Harvard, beginning at the school as undergraduates. Their appointments appear to be an attempt at stability after Claudine Gay resigned as president in January, amid heavy criticism over her handling of pro-Palestinian protests and accusations of antisemitism on campus.

Their appointments also come in an election year marked by severe partisan division. Mr. Manning’s reputation for diplomacy and conservative credentials might prove advantageous in his role as provost, the university’s highest academic position, as Harvard continues to face immense pressure from congressional Republicans who have criticized it for not doing enough to protect Jewish students during protests.

Before becoming interim provost, Mr. Manning was the dean of Harvard Law School, where he earned plaudits for being engaged with students. As interim provost, he oversaw a working group on “institutional voice,” which led to Harvard’s decision in May that it would avoid taking positions on matters that were not “relevant to the core function of the university.”

Mr. Manning is considered a top contender to succeed Dr. Garber as president. Dr. Garber is set to serve in the role through the 2026-27 academic year, and the search for his replacement will begin in 2026.