Our mission includes:

• discovering new and better ways to teach by partnering with faculty and students to catalyze creativity, experimentation and innovation
• cultivating excellent instruction through effective training and support for faculty, graduate students and undergraduates in teaching and scholarly communication

History

The Bok Center was established in 1975 to enhance the quality of undergraduate education in Harvard College. Originally named the Harvard-Danforth Center (in recognition of the Danforth Foundation grant that funded the Center at the outset) it was renamed in 1991 to honor former Harvard President Derek Bok, an active supporter of the Center both during his presidency (1971–1991) and today. Traditionally, retiring Harvard presidents have had buildings named in their honor; President Bok is the first to have his name given instead to an organization. Harvard's continuing support of the Center in the years following its founding reflects a belief that research, teaching, and learning are compatible at the very highest levels.

Professor Robert Lue was named the inaugural Richard L. Menchel Faculty Director of the Bok Center in February 2013.