On November 12th, I met with the University of Hartford’s new president, Dr. Lawrence P. Ward. President Ward had been Dean at his previous institution, Babson College, for a decade before coming to UHart as president in July of 2024. During our discussion, I got the opportunity to understand his vision, goals, and plans for the students and the university. “. . . Leadership isn’t about me, it’s about the people I lead. And I think philosophically, that’s really important to me.” Dr. Ward is set out to make sure that the experiences we as students have make us feel important – creating an environment for us as students to grow, learn, and be confident for the journey that awaits us after college.
Dr. Ward’s career in higher education has always prioritized the students’ academic and mental needs. During our conversation, he expressed his thoughts on the character of students – our actions in public – who we may come across while out on campus. He shared that his vision for this campus is to be “incredibly vibrant,” also urging students to keep their “heads up – eyes open.” Being aware of who we are surrounded by and being in that mindset of being engaged will help enhance and better our community here at UHart.
“I know that there are dangerous consequences when a young person on a college campus doesn’t feel seen or heard or appreciated. . . I want students to feel seen and appreciated, especially by their president.” Meeting and engaging with new people are a couple of ways Dr. Ward recommends to better our community here at UHart. Dr. Ward has been to multiple student organization events, clubs, fairs, and has been interacting with students on a daily basis to grow a connection and to assure students that their efforts and hard work are seen, appreciated, and applauded. This is the same advice that he recommends for any incoming freshman or anyone in their college experience—to meet new people and get involved, which will help all college students transition into life after college. “. . .Giving yourself a license and permission to do things that are not in your comfort level is the single best piece of advice I could give.”
I believe Dr. Ward is more than fit and capable of taking action as the university’s new president and will be a strong support to help us as students get through college and be confident to tread the pathway life has in store for us after college. In the words of Dr. Ward,
“What a beautiful opportunity we have at the University of Hartford – Cease it.”
