Is it time for a short, black lesbian to lead Harvard?(THE LAST LAUGH)

Our January 1997 Outrageous Predictions Affecting Women on Campus began: "Harvard University will demonstrate its commitment to walking the walk on diversity by naming as it's next president a short, black lesbian."

When the Corporation that manages Harvard chose Larry Summers as president five years ago, it did manage to fill the short part, but he was never taken for a black or lesbian. His abrasive, challenging leadership style and tendency to rock the boat enabled the sharks to devour him.

After the embattled Summers resigned last month, it will get another opportunity to choose the leader of the nation's oldest and most influential university. It has never had a female or mimority as president.

The job description

Members of the Corporation include four white males with ties to Wall Street or Washington. The fifth is a white female, Dr. Nannerl O. Keohane, who has been president of Wellesley College MA and Duke University NC. The group's only black member resigned recently when he objected to its continued support of Summers.

Members listed some priorities, according to the Boston Globe on February 16 and 23, and March 16, 2006:

"willingness to push professors in powerful perches, to collaborate, for instance, with junior colleagues in other departments" and "the strength to force an openness and transparency between the schools and departments ... a strong hand is what's required."