Mark D. Gearan

Mark D. Gearan began his second term as president of Hobart and William Smith Colleges in July 2022; his first term as president spanned 18 years from 1999–2017 and he was the longest serving president in the colleges’ history. A leading voice at the intersection of education and public service, he has held numerous leadership roles in American politics, government, and higher education—including most recently as director of the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School. His public service has included posts in the Clinton administration as White House deputy chief of staff, White House communications director, and director of the Peace Corps. Gearan has served as chair of the boards of the Corporation for National and Community Service and several higher education organizations. A cum laude graduate of Harvard College and Georgetown University Law Center, he is the recipient of 13 honorary degrees.