Princeton spokesperson Lauren Robinson-Brown said yesterday that those at the university were disappointed Gates wouldn’t be joining their faculty but were grateful for his support.
“Of course we would have been pleased if [Gates] had decided to come to Princeton, as have so many exceptional faculty members, including in African-American studies,” Robinson-Brown said. “We do appreciate his reasoning, and we very much appreciate his kind words about Princeton.”
She said Gates notified Princeton of his decision within the past few days.
A Sigh of Relief
Yesterday’s announcement inspired more than a few sighs of relief at the University. Up until very recently, rumors that Gates was leaning towards leaving for Princeton circulated widely among academic circles both inside and outside of Cambridge.
Those rumors were furthered by published accounts of Gates’ house-hunting activities last summer in the Princeton area.
In efforts to convince him to stay, professors, students and other members of the Harvard community flooded him with an outpouring of support.
“We did it all,” Bobo said. “We sent the man flowers, cards, letters, gave him hugs and endless praise and pleading, telling him again and again how valued his leadership has been and continues to be.”
Among other things, colleagues gave Gates an African sculpture that “symbolizes the many qualities that make him a great leader,” according to Assistant Professor of Afro-American Studies and English and American Literature and Language Glenda R. Carpio.
These efforts were not in vain. Gates said he was touched by the support and that it was a significant factor in his decision.
“The expression of support from the president, the dean, the Faculty, my colleagues and students, all of that meant a lot to me,” he said.
The outpouring of support reflects the perception that he is a widely influential figure at Harvard.
“His charisma, leadership and unbounded energy have touched the lives of faculty and students across the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and, indeed, the entire University,” Dean of the Faculty William C. Kirby said in a written statement.
And Charles M. Moore ’04, president of the Black Students Association (BSA), said that in addition to being a crucial figure for the stability of the department, Gates’ presence is important for black students on campus.
“What he means to black students is strong advice for the BSA and a stronger faculty advocate for the issues that we think are important,” he said.
Moore said he feels Gates is a resource to students of all backgrounds.
Gates said yesterday that his plans to remain at Harvard are long-term, though he will be going on academic leave next year.
—Staff writer Kate L. Rakoczy can be reached at rakoczy@fas.harvard.edu.