Yale News: Leadership Changes, Prestigious Awards, Research Highlights & Campus Events – August 11, 2025 Update

Good afternoon, Yale community. Today is Monday, August 11, 2025, and here are the latest updates from our campus. Currently, it's sunny in New Haven with a temperature of 76°F (24°C). Temperatures are expected to rise throughout the day, reaching a high of 89°F (31°C) by mid-afternoon. Clear skies will continue into the evening, with temperatures cooling to around 75°F (24°C) by 11 PM. Heather Gerken, who has served as the dean of Yale Law School since 2017, has stepped down from her role to become the president of the Ford Foundation. During her tenure, Dean Gerken was instrumental in advancing the school's commitment to public service and legal education. The university has initiated a search for her successor and will provide updates as the process progresses. In its 2025 rankings, *U.S. News & World Report* named Yale School of Medicine one of the best medical schools in the United States for research. The school achieved Tier 1 status, reflecting its excellence in research funding, faculty qualifications, and student achievements. This recognition underscores Yale's ongoing commitment to advancing medical knowledge and education. The Yale Center for British Art, in collaboration with the Yale Schwarzman Center, is offering student-led "Meet the Artist" tours of "The View from Here 2025." These tours provide an opportunity to engage with student-photographers and explore their creative journeys. The final tour is scheduled for Friday, August 15, from 2 to 3 PM. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is recommended. A recent study led by the Yale School of Public Health revealed that the majority of mental health treatment facilities in the United States do not offer medications for alcohol use disorder, despite their proven effectiveness. The research emphasizes the need for integrated care and expanded training to address this gap in treatment. In another study, researchers found that long-term exposure to surface-level ozone significantly increases respiratory mortality in the U.S., including deaths from COVID-19. The findings highlight the urgent need for stronger ozone regulation and public awareness of this invisible yet dangerous air pollutant. Rishi Shah and August Rios, both from the class of 2026, have been awarded the 2025 Truman Scholarship for aspiring public service leaders. Additionally, Elena Bouldin, also from the class of 2026, has been named a Udall Scholar, and senior Karinne Tennenbaum received an honorable mention from the Udall Foundation. These accolades reflect the dedication and excellence of our students in public service and environmental stewardship. The university has concluded its five-year initiative, "Belonging at Yale," which aimed to enhance diversity, support equity, and promote inclusion within our community. As this initiative concludes, Yale reaffirms its commitment to sustaining a thriving community that welcomes and supports individuals from all walks of life in the pursuit of knowledge and excellence. That's all for today's update. Stay safe, stay informed, and as always, stay connected with the Yale community.