Dean Hammonds congratulates Judith Palfrey on White House appointment

Harvard College Dean Evelynn M. Hammonds Sept. 2 congratulated Adams House Master Judith Palfrey on her appointment to lead first lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative against childhood obesity, and also announced the appointment of Sharon Howell, the resident dean at Adams, as interim master.

In addition to being House master, Palfrey is T. Berry Brazelton Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, a professor of global health and social medicine, and a professor in the Department of Society, Human Development, and Health. Sean Palfrey, her husband, will continue as co-master at Adams.

“This is a terrific opportunity for Judy, one of this nation’s foremost pediatricians, to change the lives of thousands of children across America,” said Hammonds, the Barbara Gutmann Rosenkrantz Professor of the History of Science and of African and African-American Studies. “I’m very pleased for her, and think the White House has made an excellent choice.”

Michelle Obama announced earlier in the day that Palfrey will become executive director of Let’s Move! starting Sept. 6.  View the announcement.

“While no long-term decisions have been made, I’ve asked Sharon Howell, who has served as resident dean of Adams House since 2006, to serve as interim master,” Hammonds continued. “Sharon cares deeply about the students at Adams House, has strong relationships with students and staff, and will be able to ensure a nearly seamless transition.”