Alexander Nehamas, Founding Director (1999-2002), Edmund N. Carpenter II Class of 1943 Professor Emeritus in the Humanities. Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Comparative Literature

Leonard Barkan, Director (2002-2009), Class of 1943 University Professor Emeritus of Comparative Literature

Susan Stewart, Director (2010-2017), Avalon Foundation University Professor Emeritus in the Humanities. Professor Emeritus of English

Michael D. Gordin, Director (2017 - 2023), Rosengarten Professor of Modern and Contemporary History. Professor of History

Michael Wood, Acting Director (2005-2006), Charles Barnwell Straut Class of 1923 Professor Emeritus of English and Comparative Literature

Scott Burnham, Acting Director (2009-2010), Scheide Professor Emeritus of Music History

Molly Greene, Acting Director (2013-2014), Professor of History and Hellenic Studies

Yelena Baraz, Acting Director (2019-20), Kennedy Foundation Professor of Latin Language and Literature. Professor of Classics