New Director Named For Bunting Institute

Florence C. Ladd, associate executive director of Oxfam America, has been named director of the Bunting Institute, new Radcliffe President Linda S. Wilson said this week in her first formal announcement at Harvard.

Ladd, a former Bunting fellow who has published several papers on race relations and equal opportunity, will take over as head of Radcliffe's multidisciplinary research center for women in the fall.

"She has a distinguished record of administration in higher education and elsewhere in the nonprofit world," Wilson said of Ladd in a statement. "Widely known to be a powerful spokesperson and a visionary leader, she is deeply committed to the advancement of women. I look forward to working with her in charting the course for this respected institute."

The Bunting Institute provides funds and academic resources for 40 women to pursue independent research projects each year. Ladd, who was a Bunting fellow from 1970 to 1972, has remained involved with the Institute as an adviser and speaker for its programs.

"I would describe her leadership style as compelling and charismatic," said Phillip D.W. Martin, who worked with Ladd at Oxfam America. "She was not only our superior, but our colleague, our compatriot, someone who really got things done. She's an amazing person."

"I welcome the opportunity to serve as the director of the Bunting Institute," Ladd said in the statement. "I remember the critical difference the supportive and stimulating years of my own Bunting Fellowship made in my career and I look forward to opening the doors to such opportunity to women in all parts of the world."

Ladd has worked at both the Graduate School of Design and the School of Education. She has published several papers on equal opportunity in housing, Blacks in the United States and opportunities for South Africans and American minority groups in higher education.

She will replace former director Elisabeth McKinsey, who left this year to become the dean of Carelton College.