David Fithian

David Fithian is a Professor of Practice at Clark University's School for Professional Studies. He earned his B.A. in Sociology from Clark University (1987) and advanced degrees (M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D.) in Sociology from Yale University (1988–1994). His doctoral work on 'A Dark and Shining Stone: Symbol Contests and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial' won the Theron Rockwell Field Prize, a rare honor for a social science dissertation. He has held leadership roles in higher education, including Executive Vice President at the University of Chicago and various roles at Harvard University, such as Assistant Dean of Freshmen, Allston Burr Senior Tutor of Adams House, and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

• Education:
• B.A. Sociology, Clark University, 1987
• M.A. Sociology, Yale University, 1988
• M.Phil. Sociology, Yale University, 1990
• Ph.D. Sociology, Yale University, 1994
• Key Roles:
• Overseeing academic and personal welfare of ~900 students annually at Harvard
• Coordinating faculty governance at Harvard
• Leadership in academic administration at University of Chicago

His research interests span sociology, public memory, and symbolic contests, with a focus on institutions and social dynamics. Beyond academia, he and his husband, Michael Rodriguez, raise and breed Friesian horses.