Lawrence P. Ward, Ed.D, currently vice president for learner success and dean of campus life at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, will become UHart’s seventh president on July 1. He will succeed Stephen Mulready M’77, who has served as acting president since the retirement of the University’s sixth president, Gregory Woodward, last summer.
“Following an extensive and comprehensive search process, the University’s Board of Regents was unanimous in our decision that Larry Ward is the right leader to steward the University of Hartford’s continued evolution and success,” says Board of Regents Chair Donald Allan Jr. ’86. “The Board and I want to thank Acting President Stephen Mulready for his selfless service as our interim president in this challenging post-COVID period for higher learning institutions. He is a great example for our students in giving back throughout a successful career. He has strengthened our foundation this year, and we are ready to keep building to new heights for the benefit of our students, region, and state.”
At Babson, Ward has played a central leadership role in shaping institutional priorities and strategic plans that have driven successful undergraduate and graduate student outcomes. During his 10-year tenure, Ward’s focus has been on seamlessly integrating the academic and co-curricular student experience, providing robust support structures for an increasingly diverse student body.
Lawrence P. Ward, UHart President-ElectI am honored and absolutely delighted to have been selected by the Board of Regents as the next president of the University of Hartford. From my first interactions with the search committee and throughout the selection process, I felt a very strong connection and enthusiasm for the University and this extraordinary academic community. I am energized by our strategic opportunities for growth and confident in our ability to navigate the challenging landscape of higher education, while maintaining a relentless commitment to student success.”