“For nearly three decades, Katherine Black has been a pillar of our UHart community,” Ward says. “In my first year as president, I have come to quickly learn what others on campus have experienced through the years—that Katherine is a dedicated educator, inspiring leader, and tireless advocate for our students, faculty, and university mission.”
“It has truly been my honor to serve the University of Hartford,” Black shares. “This community has been my home and will always be very special to me. Making the decision to step away was a very difficult one, after a great deal of personal reflection. After spending my entire career in higher education, and almost all of it at the University of Hartford, it’s time for me to pursue contributing in new ways. I haven’t yet figured out my next steps but no matter where my path leads, I will forever carry the University of Hartford in my heart.”
Black was appointed provost in March 2023 after serving eight months as interim provost. During this time, she successfully reorganized the Office of the Provost, hired new academic leaders, introduced a comprehensive program review process, launched eight new programs, facilitated the merger of Hillyer College and the College of Arts and Sciences, initiated efforts to support faculty and students in artificial intelligence skill development, advanced shared governance, and championed inclusive excellence and belonging initiatives.
This past year, Black worked with faculty to adopt an innovative new General Education program, creating a signature UHart learning experience. She and the faculty will work over the coming year to implement this foundational curriculum that reflects the University’s unique constellation of schools and colleges, facilitating impactful academic learning and purposeful intellectual development.
As dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 2014 to 2022, Black launched several new degree programs, including data science, digital media and journalism, computer science and engineering, organizational psychology (online), and integrated communication (online). She hired more than 50 tenure-track and clinical faculty and increased engagement and staffing for college enrollment efforts. Black raised more than $1 million for scholarships, faculty development, and student research/internships. She introduced new Learning Beyond the Classroom and Career Preparation requirements into the A&S general education curriculum; facilitated significant diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice initiatives; and created an Outstanding Faculty Award and a Board of Advisors Alumni Award. She also served several times as a site visitor for the New England Commission of Higher Education accreditation.
A developmental psychologist by training, Black earned her BA in psychology from Bucknell University and her MA and PhD in psychology from the University of New Hampshire. She joined the faculty at the University of Hartford as an assistant professor in 1998, was tenured and promoted to associate professor, and subsequently to professor. Prior to serving as dean, she served as the assistant provost and dean of graduate studies (and later dean of faculty development), as the chair (and later co-chair) of the Department of Psychology, and as the associate dean for budget and finance in the College of Arts and Sciences. Black was honored with the Oscar and Shoshana Trachtenberg Award in 2012 for distinguished service to the University, an Innovations in Teaching and Learning Award in 2013, and a Martin Luther King Jr. Beloved Community Award in 2022. Committed to ongoing professional development, she has participated in Harvard’s Management Development Program, as well as the Wellesley Institute for Women in Higher Education Administration led by Higher Education Resource Services.
Black has impacted many in the University community during her tenure on campus. Anyone wishing to contribute a note, story, or well wishes to be shared with her during the coming academic year is encouraged to do so via this form.
The timing of Black’s announcement will allow for a thoughtful transition to new leadership. The University will share additional information about launching a national search for its next provost in the coming weeks.