Henry Dunster (November 26, 1609 (baptized) – February 27, 1658/59) was an Anglo-American Puritan clergyman and the second president of Harvard College.

Brackney says Dunster was "an important precursor" of the Baptist denomination in America, especially regarding infant baptism, soul freedom, religious liberty, congregational governance, and a radical biblicism.

Dunster studied at Magdalene College, Cambridge as a sizar,[2] specializing in oriental languages and earning a reputation as a Hebrew scholar.

Nathaniel Eaton was fired in 1639 as master of the recently established Harvard College, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Dunster was appointed as his successor.

Dunster modeled Harvard's educational system on that of England, including Eton College and the University of Cambridge.

"[6] Dunster held Harvard together financially during a difficult economic downturn in New England that began soon after his arrival.

Dunster exiled himself in 1654/55 and moved to nearby Plymouth Colony to become the minister of the First Church in Scituate, Massachusetts.