Michael Shinagel was the dean of the Division of Continuing Education and University Extension at Harvard University, and the longest serving dean in Harvard's history. He was the fifth person to hold the position, having been appointed in 1977 and serving until 2013. Prior to being named dean, he was the Director of Continuing Education and University Extension from 1975 to 1977. He was also formerly Master of Quincy House. He is the author of a history of the Harvard Extension School, The Gates Unbarred.