Edwards, 58, has led Tulane’s largest school since 2018. Before joining the New Orleans university, he spent 18 years teaching at Northwestern University, where he was a professor of Middle East studies, English and comparative literary studies and founded a program in Middle East and North African studies.

At Haverford, a selective Main Line college with about 1,470 students, Edwards will inherit a campus grappling with disputes over antisemitism, speech and academic freedom. The college settled a lawsuit in August brought by a Jewish organization over its handling of antisemitism allegations. Some alumni and students have called on the school to protect free expression and academic freedom. Raymond also faced questioning last year from a Republican-led congressional committee examining antisemitism complaints on college campuses.

Earlier this month, Haverford assistant professor of religion Guangtian Ha was arrested and accused of sending antisemitic threats to a colleague. The allegations have not been established in court.

Edwards said he intends to approach campus disagreements by listening and creating space for students, faculty and staff to speak with one another. He said many students are increasingly anxious about discussing difficult issues, and described listening and changing one’s mind as part of education.

“These are fractious times, where people have become polarized on a whole lot of issues,” Edwards said. “Listening to one another, being able to change your mind about something, that is actually what education is.”

Haverford board chair Michael B. Kim called Edwards the right choice, citing his experience and commitment to liberal arts education, ethical leadership and listening to students.

Edwards also identified fundraising as a priority. Haverford set a goal in 2024 to grow its endowment to $1 billion by 2030; the fund stood at $869 million on Sept. 30. Edwards said expanding it would help the college provide more financial aid.

The college is among 15 U.S. schools where total annual costs, including tuition, fees, housing, meals, books and transportation, exceed $100,000, according to The Princeton Review. Edwards noted that many students receive aid and said Haverford should do more to explain its financial assistance.

He argued that broad liberal arts training can prepare graduates for work that may not yet exist and for leadership through complex challenges. Edwards earned his bachelor’s degree and doctorate at Yale University and has written about literature, film and new media from Morocco, Egypt and Iran.

Edwards said he planned to begin meeting members of the Haverford community during the college’s family and friends weekend. His wife, Kate Baldwin, a Tulane professor, will move to the area and join Haverford as a visiting professor.