Harvard University President Drew Faust announced that Howell will be the acting dean of the law school while a search is conducted for Kagan’s permanent replacement.
Howell served at the law school’s vice dean for budget from 2003 to 2006. Since 1989 he has taught a variety of courses, including securities regulation, pension law, regulation of financial institutions, international finance and the federal budget. He also has researched issues ranging from consumer protection to entitlement reform.
In addition to teaching, Howell has authored numerous books and articles, and has served as a consultant to the Treasury Department, the United Nations Development Program and the World Bank/International Monetary Fund.
Kagan has been the law school dean since 2003, and has been widely praised for bringing harmony to the school.
Harvard Law is the second most prestigious law school in the country, according to Yale Law School.