Lawrence P. Ward, a dynamic leader in the national higher education landscape with deep Connecticut roots, has begun his tenure as the seventh president of the University of Hartford.
Following an extensive and comprehensive search process, the University’s Board of Regents was unanimous in selecting Lawrence P. Ward as the next leader to steward the University of Hartford’s continued evolution and success.
Since its founding, UHart has been innovating and adapting to meet the needs of students and society. It has long offered a rich mixture of outstanding programs—from business, electronics, engineering, technology, and education to music, the visual arts, and the arts and sciences. In recent years, UHart has invested in its future by launching many new and in-demand academic programs, including nursing, aerospace engineering, business analytics, robotics, data science, occupational therapy (master’s), computer science (master’s), animation and game art, and digital media and journalism. There are increased online offerings and newly created ventures in corporate programming, professional certificates, and combined or accelerated degree programs. The University transitioned its athletics program to NCAA Division III status, which has resulted in a surge of new applications from student-athletes.
UHart Start—the University's five-year strategic action plan—was launched in 2020 to guide UHart’s efforts through 2025 to transform the institution, ensure excellence, and sustain success. In recent years, the University has raised $75 million through impactful fundraising and many new partnerships. The undergraduate and graduate classes entering in fall 2023 exceeded enrollment goals by more than 10 percent; these encouraging numbers capped off three consecutive years of increases in applications and admitted students.
The Presidential Search Committee was chaired by Regent Michael Daglio ’91, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Hartford HealthCare (HHC). Daglio has long been engaged with UHart personally and professionally, as an alumnus and local business leader at HHC, one of the largest health-care systems in New England and a generous partner of the University.
Daglio lead a diverse group of University constituents in an inclusive process, soliciting feedback from the campus community and stakeholders, and evaluating potential candidates who best align with UHart’s culture and long-term vision. The committee played an essential role in stewarding an intensive, transparent, and nationwide search that prioritizes the University’s values and mission.
UHart has played such a prominent role in my life and helped me pave the way for the career I have today. I’m happy to be able to pay it forward to the University community in this new and significant way.''
Open since fall 2021, the Francis X. and Nancy Hursey Center for Advanced Engineering and Health Professions provides modern, fully equipped labs and classrooms emphasizing hands-on learning to build students' skills and confidence for successful careers.
The University is deeply committed to ongoing efforts to create and cultivate a welcoming campus climate that is inclusive, and a community where students, faculty, and staff feel supported, safe, and valued.
Programs like our Stanley Black & Decker "Be a Force for Good" not only provide scholarship support to our students, they provide mentorship and early career opportunities to help them succeed at UHart and beyond.
With seven distinctive schools and colleges, the University of Hartford offers students a rich, diverse, and comprehensive educational environment. UHart offers more than 100 undergraduate and 46 graduate-level degree programs, eight associate degree programs, and 40 certificate and diploma programs.
UHart’s largest college, offering 23 programs, is home to a world-class faculty that includes mathematicians, philosophers, psychologists, and social scientists. Its rich interdisciplinary environment promotes collaboration and engagement across diverse perspectives.
Recognized for its ever-evolving curriculum, tangible learning opportunities, and innovative Career Ready program. Barney School majors span from accounting and finance to management and marketing; graduate programs include an MBA and a master’s program in business analytics.
ENHP has a customized curriculum that prepares students for a wide range of careers and post-baccalaureate programs in the education and health professions. Students are actively engaged in their field well before graduation.
CETA offers undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, engineering technology, and architecture. Students benefit from small class sizes, hands-on courses and laboratories, and an extensive partnership network.
A conservatory-based performing arts school, Hartt offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate degree programs and pre-professional training in music, dance, and theatre. Students are taught by faculty who are performing artists, composers, scholars, recording engineers, and performing arts managers.
A professional art school on a comprehensive campus, HAS provides students with the foundation to succeed in areas such as drawing and painting, ceramics, visual communication design, illustration, photography, and art history.
Hillyer views students for who they are: individuals with unique backgrounds, perspectives, and learning styles. The opposite of a one-size-fits-all approach to college, Hillyer has its own Study Center, dedicated faculty, accessible advisors, and personalized advising plans.
Surrounded by green spaces and wooded trails, UHart's 350-acre campus runs alongside Connecticut's capital city of Hartford and its crossroads with the vibrant towns of West Hartford and Bloomfield.
Only two hours from both Boston and New York City, our central location provides plenty of opportunities to fully explore New England’s vibrant culture, cities, beaches, and mountains. In Connecticut’s capital city, you can cheer on the Hartford Yard Goats in downtown’s nationally recognized baseball stadium, visit local museums, catch a Broadway show or performance, and grab dinner at award-winning restaurants. Hartford also has all the diverse professional opportunities of a big city. UHart’s proximity to the capital means big possibilities. The University has forged relationships with many different companies and organizations, making internships and other professional options readily accessible to students.
The University has benefited from consistent, sustainable growth in both alumni engagement and fundraising. Corporate philanthropy has increased significantly over the past several years, with a concerted effort to identify and cultivate strategic partnerships that can help with career readiness, graduate enrollment, and philanthropy. UHart has strong partnerships with regional companies such as Stanley Black & Decker, Hartford HealthCare, Pratt & Whitney, Hartford Steam Boiler, Cigna, CVS/Aetna, and others.
Total Gifts in FY22
Endowment Market Value (as of June 30, 2023)
Total Giving
Rosen Society Members—our most dedicated supporters who have made gifts for five or more consecutive years.
Governed by the Board of Regents, the University is led by President Lawrence P. Ward and directed by a team of academic and administrative leaders across seven schools and colleges, and offices and divisions. Together, they ensure the fulfillment of the University’s mission, uphold its core values and vision, and manage its operations and academic affairs.