Richard H. Hersh

Richard H. Hersh during his tenure at Trinity. Photo credit: Trinity Reporter

Richard H. Hersh is an educator who served as the 19th president of Trinity College from 2002 to 2003. Hersh received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Political Science from Syracuse University and his Doctorate in Education from Boston University. Prior to Trinity, he worked as the Director of the Center for Moral Development at Harvard University from 1974 to 1976, the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Oregon from 1976 to 1985, the Provost of the University of New Hampshire from 1985 to 1989, the Provost of Drake University from 1989 to 1991, and the President of Hobart & William Smith Colleges from 1991 to 1999.

During his term at Trinity, Hersh aimed to reduce racism on campus as well as alcohol abuse and the influence of Greek life organizations. He announced his resignation on June 26, 2003, only 15 months after he was appointed, due to heavy pushback from faculty and staff regarding his allegedly brash nature, among other things. His resignation came after a call from Trinity Tripod editor-in-chief Abigail Thomas '03 for him to be removed.

Hersh is currently a professor of Education Studies at Yale University. He is the author of several books about American education, including Losing Our Minds: Rethinking American Higher Education (2012).