Harvard University is facing a leadership crisis as well as a crisis of confidence among its students, alumni/ae and faculty. The resignation of Claudine Gay as president demands a rapid and uncontroversial response by the Harvard Corporation. The school needs a new leader who can heal the divisions on campus, repair the damage done to Harvard's reputation, and who possesses the experience, skill and record of success to shepherd the University though one of the most challenging periods of its existence.

No individual fits these needs like former U.S. President Barack Obama. Moreover, he can certainly have this appointment if he is willing to accept it. Mr. Obama shares some of the responsibility for Gay's appointment, and reportedly lobbied not to have her dismissed, which had the unfortunate result of exacerbating Harvard's crisis. The Harvard Corporation is dominated by his allies and members of his administration. He will be the new president of Harvard if he is willing to take on the job.

And he has a duty to do so, as a distinguished Harvard graduate who has benefited greatly from his Harvard Law degree and the contacts his association with the school has won him. Right now, Harvard is stuck: if it appoints another Black female to replace Gay, it will appear to be driven by group membership rather than merit, giving its conservative critics more ammunition.  If it does not, then supporters of Gay will accuse Harvard of retreating in its dedication to progressive ideals. The sooner Harvard staunches the credibility, respect and reputation for integrity it is bleeding out, the more quickly the damage can be repaired.

Gay's shocking op-ed in the New York Times blaming her fall on racial animus has only worsened an already bad situation.

As a the first Black POTUS and a progressive icon, Barack Obama is the one individual whose appointment will be beyond reproach by any side of the ideological divide. He has the skills, the respect, and the wide-ranging support Harvard needs for its leader in this difficult time.