Harry Elam, Jr.

Elam brings a powerfully distinctive experience with both the study of and practice in the arts to his new position as vice president. Concurrent with his two new leadership roles, Elam is the vice provost for undergraduate education and a professor of theater and performance studies. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard College and his doctorate in dramatic arts from the University of California, Berkeley. In addition to his scholarly work, he has published seven books on African American and ethnic theater and performance as well as edited the field’s top journal.

Elam has also directed professionally for more than 20 years, garnering acclaim for his award-winning productions at TheatreWorks and elsewhere. Mentoring student development in the arts remains a priority for Elam as well, reflected, most recently, in his work as artistic director for the Department of Theater and Performance Studies production of Spring Awakening, The Musical in the newly renovated Roble Studio Theater.