Yuhua Wang, Ford Foundation Professor of Modern China Studies, has been named a recipient of the prestigious Harvard College Professorship. This honor, announced by Edgerley Family Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Hopi Hoekstra on May 6, recognizes Wang’s outstanding contributions to undergraduate teaching, mentorship, and research.
Wang joins four other distinguished faculty members from fields as diverse as Armenian studies, mathematics, and engineering who were selected for their dedication to shaping the undergraduate experience.
An expert in comparative politics, Wang’s teaching and research focus on the political development of China, authoritarian regimes, and state-building. His courses challenge students to examine complex global systems and think critically about governance and society, often drawing on history, data, and theory to illuminate contemporary issues.
He said: “It’s truly an honor to receive this appointment. Working with such a diverse group of smart and enthusiastic students at Harvard has been incredibly rewarding—they bring distinctive perspectives, varied approaches to problem-solving, and a broad range of ideas about how the world works. Engaging with them has consistently enriched my teaching and my own thinking.”
The Harvard College Professorship, established in 1997 through a gift from John and Frances Loeb, is awarded for a five-year term and includes support for faculty research and professional development.
This recognition underscores Wang’s pivotal role in advancing engaged, impactful teaching in Government and beyond as well as reaffirming Harvard’s commitment to excellent instruction and mentorship across all disciplines.
Find out more via the Harvard Gazette.