Finally, if Harvard decided to go for the controversial, one other female who has been mentioned as a possibility to replace Rudenstine is Hillary Clinton.
While such a possibility would be highly unlikely, as Clinton has no ties to Harvard and lacks background in academia, even the suggestion of her candidacy has created controversy.
This summer, after conservative radio commentator Rush Limbaugh tossed her name around as a possible Rudenstine successor, the University was inundated with e-mail messages from Harvard graduates threatening to withhold any future gifts to the University if she were selected.
While the University has several qualified and prominent women to choose from, none, it appears, quite fit the bill. Harvard may have to wait at least another decade before it has a woman at its helm.