Zoe Marks, a lecturer in public policy at Harvard’s Kennedy School, will serve as the next faculty director of the Center for Africana Studies, Harvard Provost Interim John F. Manning ’82 announced Thursday.
Marks’ research focuses on African conflict and peacebuilding, gender and inequality, and African politics. Her recent research has focused on African insurgent movements and the role of women in revolutions.
Marks, who also serves as dean of Pforzheimer House, will succeed Harvard Law School professor Ruth L. Okediji. Okediji served in the position for just under a year.
Manning told the Harvard Gazette, a publication run by the University, that Marks is an “exemplary scholar and teacher” who is well placed to lead the center.
Hopi School of Arts and Sciences Dean E. Hoekstra told the Gazette that Marks “truly embodies the African Studies Center’s commitment to expanding knowledge about Africa and African perspectives.”
“Her dedication to academic collaboration with leading scientists across the African continent and her deep experience working with intergovernmental organizations abroad will serve her well as she steps into this exciting role,” he said.
The appointment of an HKS professor to lead the center comes as the Kennedy School undergoes its own leadership transition. Jeremy M. Weinstein, a political scientist from Stanford University, will take over as HKS’s next dean on July 1.
Weinstein, who served as director of Stanford’s own Center for African Studies, may herald a new focus on international affairs—and African studies in particular—for the Kennedy School, which has faced criticism that it has not done enough to adapt to its growing international student population.
Marks, who will remain on the faculty at HKS, told the Gazette she is looking forward to taking on the role at the Center for Africana Studies.
“I am excited about this opportunity to work with Harvard’s outstanding faculty, students and staff to continue to strengthen our relationships across Africa,” said Marks.
—Staff writer Elyse C. Goncalves can be reached at elyse.goncalves@thecrimson.com. Follow her on X @e1ysegoncalves or in threads @elyse.goncalves.