Sean Buffington

Sean T. Buffington is Interim President and Vice President for Programs at the Henry Luce Foundation. He joined the Foundation in 2015 and directs the grantmaking and operations of the $1 billion foundation. Sean created the Luce Indigenous Knowledge Initiative and leads the development of new programs. Prior to joining the Luce Foundation, Sean served as President of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. During his tenure, the University introduced an innovative interdisciplinary curriculum; restructured its visual arts college to encourage collaboration and experimentation; launched a number of new degrees; and established a program for creative entrepreneurs. Before moving to Philadelphia, Sean was a senior administrator at Harvard University for many years, serving as an assistant provost for interfaculty programs, as deputy chief of staff to the President and Provost, and, finally as Associate Provost for Arts and Culture. As Associate Provost, he had responsibility for the Harvard Art Museums, the American Repertory Theater, the Graduate School of Design, and other cultural activities and organizations at the University. Sean received the A.B. summa cum laude from Harvard College, and an M.A. in American Culture from the University of Michigan.