Nekesa Straker

Nekesa Straker

Senior Assistant Dean of Residential Life and First-Year Students
Nekesa Straker

In my role as the Senior Assistant Dean of Residential Life and First-Year Students or Dean of First-Year Students, I am responsible for leading the First-Year Experience (FYE) office, which includes overseeing residential life initiatives to help orient and support students during their first year at Harvard, supervising the Resident Deans of First-Year Students, and training proctors and residential staff. I also partner with other offices to serve as a member of the Administrative Board as well as planning and implementing orientation and academic advising programs.

I began working at Harvard in June 2019 and prior to that, I worked at Boston College, DePaul University, New York University, and The Bush School. I am completing a doctoral degree in Higher Education Leadership from Regis College and received a master’s in Student Development Administration from Seattle University and a bachelor’s in Political Science from Vassar College. I am also a proud Brearley School and Prep for Prep alum.

In my spare time, I enjoy international travel, Peloton, cooking, and being on the Board of Trustees for The Aloha Foundation and The Brearley School.

Contact Information

6 Prescott Street
p: (617) 495-1574