#  Nekesa Straker Ed.D. 

Senior Assistant Dean of Residential Life and First Year Students

 

 

 



   ![Nekesa Straker](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_4_5__320x400/public/2026-11/FDO_Staff_Nekesa%20Straker.jpg?h=36dae122&itok=yeEijsmP) 

 



 

 location\_on First-Year Dean's Office, 6 Prescott Street, Room 20 

 smartphone [6-2347](tel:6-2347) 

 email [nekesa\_straker@fas.harvard.edu](mailto:nekesa_straker@fas.harvard.edu) 

 



 

In my role as the Senior Assistant Dean of Residential Life and First-Year Students, I am responsible for 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 a number of other offices including serving as a member of the Administrative Board and planning and implementing orientation.

I joined Harvard in June 2019. Previously, I worked at Boston College, DePaul University, and New York University. I earned a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Regis College, a master’s degree in Student Development Administration from Seattle University, and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Vassar College. I am also a proud alumna of The Brearley School and Prep for Prep.

Outside of work, I enjoy international travel, riding my Peloton, and cooking. I also serve on the Boards of Trustees of The Aloha Foundation and The Brearley School.





 

 

 





 

 

- ## Staff
    
     [Administrative Staff](/staff/administrative-staff) [Residential Staff](/staff/residential-staff)