John Thornton Kirkland was an American Congregational clergyman who served as President of Harvard University from 1810 to 1828. As an undergraduate, he was a member of the Hasty Pudding. He is remembered chiefly for his major renovations to the university structure and the so-called "Augustan Age" that Harvard went through under his leadership. Kirkland House, one of Harvard's undergraduate "houses," or residence halls, was named in his honor.

The president of Harvard University is the chief administrator of Harvard University and the ex officio president of the Harvard Corporation. Each is appointed by and is responsible to the other members of that body, who delegate to the president the day-to-day running of the university.