Adam F. Falk

A theoretical physicist, Falk quickly rose through the academic ranks at Johns Hopkins, becoming a full professor in six years. He then moved to academic administration, demonstrating a talent for supporting promising faculty. He became the James B. Knapp Dean of Arts and Sciences at Hopkins and, five years later, President of Williams College, where he oversaw expansion of the curriculum across disciplines, promoted faculty and student diversity, and oversaw major investments in academic facilities. A thought leader in higher education on issues from free speech to diversity, he recently was chosen to lead the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.