Donald W. Harward
President 1989-2002 – ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Reaches Out
Prior to the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ presidency, Donald West Harward earned his Ph.D. in philosophy and published research in mathematics, analytical philosophy, epistemology and logic.
Through expanded academic programs and campus facilities, spirited efforts to reach out beyond ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, and a near-constant encouragement to the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community to engage in the work of the College collaboratively and with civility, Harward helped ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ discover ways to translate a traditional culture of hard work, egalitarianism and social justice into greater excellence and national reputation.
“There are no spectator sports at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½,” he once said. “The College depends on participation and involvement.” ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ created 22 significant new facilities and two dozen new academic programs during Harward’s tenure. Through increased study-abroad programs, more support for student-faculty collaborations and a renowned service-learning program, students and faculty explored the world outside ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.
“We reaffirmed the notion that learning carries a responsibility to the outside world,” Harward said. The LA Excels collaboration established under Harward, called “the most extensive community development project in the history of the state” by then-Maine Gov. Angus King, inspired ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and the community to recast their relationship and identify shared aspirations; upon his retirement, the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Board of Trustees endowed the Donald W. and Ann M. Harward Center for Community Partnerships.