Abraham Flexner
Past Director
More than any other individual, it was Abraham Flexner who conceived and developed the idea that found expression as the Institute for Advanced Study, serving as founding Director from 1930 to 1939. A prominent figure in American education reform, Flexner had a profound impact on many areas of American education, especially medical education, where his influence can be seen even today in the training of medical professionals, the culture of the physician, and the relationship between medical research and practice, but the Institute remains at the heart of his legacy.
Dates at IAS
Director
–
Degrees
Harvard University
A.M.
1906
John Hopkins University
B.A.
1886
Honors
honorary degrees from many institutions, including Swarthmore College, University of Berlin, University of Brussels, Princeton University, and Johns Hopkins University
1927-1928
Rhodes Memorial Lectureship, University of Oxford
1928
Taylorian Lectureship, University of Oxford
1926
Commander, Legion of Honor
Appointments
General Education Board
1913–1928
Assistant Secretary (1913-1917); Secretary (1917-1925); Director, Division of Studies and Medical Education (1925-1928)
Mr. Flexner's School
1890–1905
Founder
