Yale News Update: Leadership Changes, Financial Measures, Prestigious Awards, Campus Reopenings & Global Challenges – July 21, 2025

Good afternoon, Yale community. Here are the latest updates from our campus as of Monday, July 21, 2025. Dean Heather Gerken has announced her departure from Yale Law School to assume the presidency of the Ford Foundation in November 2025. During her tenure since 2017, Dean Gerken spearheaded initiatives to enhance accessibility, including eliminating tuition for low-income students, and led a significant challenge to the U.S. News law school rankings methodology. The university has yet to announce her successor. In anticipation of a proposed increase in the endowment gains tax, Yale has implemented a 90-day hiring pause, reduced non-salary expenses by 5%, and delayed several construction projects. These measures aim to address financial uncertainties and ensure the university's continued support for its faculty, students, and staff. The Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition has announced the inaugural session of the Yale and Slavery Teachers Institute. Running from July 14 to July 23, the program brings together 29 educators from New England to develop new learning experiences focused on regional history and the legacy of slavery. Ana Fernández-Blázquez, a PhD student in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, has been awarded the Ana María Matute Award for excellence in Spanish studies. This honor recognizes her outstanding academic performance and contributions to the university community. After a two-year renovation, the Yale Center for British Art has reopened its doors. The revitalized space welcomes scholars, students, and visitors, enhancing Yale's role as a hub for scholarly exchange and cultural connection. Yale's Information Technology Services has initiated an enhanced Duo Multi-Factor Authentication process, which began rolling out on June 23. This update aims to bolster the university's cybersecurity measures. Additionally, the Spring Cyber Training Challenge recognized top-performing teams, including The Record Keepers from the Yale University Library. The Russian government has designated Yale University as an "undesirable organization," alleging that the university's activities undermine Russia's territorial integrity and economic foundations. This designation effectively bans Yale from operating within Russia and poses legal risks for individuals collaborating with the university. The Yale School of Public Health celebrated its independence with its inaugural State of the School Address. Dean Megan Ranney highlighted the school's vision of linking science and society to make public health foundational to communities worldwide. Currently in New Haven, it's sunny with a temperature of 71°F (22°C). The afternoon will remain mostly sunny, with temperatures reaching up to 84°F (29°C) by 4:00 PM. That's all for today's update. Stay informed and engaged, Yale.