MIT Administration Updates: Governance, Appointments, and Strategic News

MIT’s administration encompasses the governance, leadership appointments, and institutional strategies that drive the Institute forward. The following are key highlights from recent MIT News coverage on the administration topic, covering board elections, faculty hires, financial reports, and the evolving role of science and education.

• MIT Corporation elects 10 term members, two life members for 2026 – The term members will each serve five years on MIT’s board of trustees. (May 28, 2026)
• 3Q: Why science is curiosity on a mission – VP for Communications Alfred Ironside describes how a new initiative from MIT seeks to remind Americans of the value and power of curiosity-driven research. (May 14, 2026)
• Q&A: MIT SHASS and the future of education in the age of AI – As the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences marks 75 years, Dean Agustín Rayo reflects on how AI is reshaping higher education and why SHASS disciplines continue to be central to MIT’s mission. (April 14, 2026)
• Desirée Plata appointed associate dean of engineering – Faculty member in civil and environmental engineering will advance research and entrepreneurial initiatives across the School of Engineering. (April 8, 2026)
• The strength of “infinite hope” – MIT Dean of Engineering Paula Hammond keynotes the 52nd MLK Celebration, with a message of resilience and determination. (February 17, 2026)
• Maria Yang named vice provost for faculty – Design leader brings extensive interdisciplinary track record to key role supporting faculty across the Institute. (February 12, 2026)
• Brian Hedden named co-associate dean of Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing – He joins Nikos Trichakis in guiding the cross-cutting initiative of the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing. (February 4, 2026)
• Keeril Makan named vice provost for the arts – An acclaimed composer and longtime MIT faculty member, Makan will direct the next act in MIT’s story of artistic leadership. (January 28, 2026)
• MIT in the media: 2025 in review – MIT community members made headlines with key research advances and their efforts to tackle pressing challenges. (December 22, 2025)
• MIT community in 2025: A year in review – Top stories highlighted the Institute’s leading positions in world and national rankings; new collaboratives tackling manufacturing, generative AI, and quantum; how one professor influenced hundreds of thousands of students around the world; and more. (December 22, 2025)
• NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya visits MIT – In a conversation with Rep. Jake Auchincloss, Bhattacharya focused on the agency’s policy goals and funding practices. (December 8, 2025)
• Paula Hammond named dean of the School of Engineering – A chemical engineer who now serves as executive vice provost, Hammond will succeed Anantha Chandrakasan. (December 5, 2025)
• MIT releases financials and endowment figures for 2025 – The Institute’s pooled investments returned 14.8 percent last year; endowment stands at $27.4 billion. (October 10, 2025)
• At convocation, President Kornbluth greets the Class of 2029 – “We believe in all of you,” MIT’s president said at the welcoming ceremony for new undergraduates. (August 25, 2025)
• Marcus Stergio named ombudsperson – Offering confidential, impartial support, the Ombuds Office helps faculty, students, and staff resolve issues affecting their work and studies at MIT. (August 22, 2025)

For the most recent administration news, visit the MIT News Administration topic page.