Reflecting on his two years as president of the University of Hartford, Lawrence P. Ward put it simply: “I can say comfortably and confidently that I’m where I’m supposed to be.”
Ward made the remark during a recent community conversation, but it’s a theme he’s referenced often. His first two years as president have been about establishing a sense of momentum—in his words, “to get our head and our feet moving in the same direction.” His leadership has also helped the community package and prioritize the University’s strengths, while setting the stage for more transformative projects to come.
Students will experience some of those transformations when they return to campus in the fall.
Construction will be nearing completion on the new outdoor athletics and recreation complex, named in honor of UHart basketball legend Vin Baker. The project, driven by the generosity of UHart alumni and donors, is expected to open in late fall. It’s envisioned as a space for everyone, with new tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts, allowing the University to expand its club and intramural sports offerings and providing additional practice space for its NCAA Division III student-athletes.
The Landing, UHart’s newest dining and social hub, is also under construction and is expected to open this fall.
More than just a place to sample Connecticut’s best comfort foods, The Landing will also feature an outdoor patio and pond area, serving as an indoor/outdoor venue for live music and other performances by student artists. Meanwhile, a new, centrally located residential market is springing up on the lower level of University Commons, and the Starbucks® location in the Harrison Libraries is getting a top-to-bottom renovation.
But such high-visibility projects are only a piece of a much larger picture.
One of Ward’s strategic priorities has been to build upon ties between the University and the Greater Hartford area—including business, industry, government, and the non-profit sector. Those collaborations grew by leaps and bounds during Ward’s second year as president, often with the help of UHart’s extensive alumni network.
Alumni and industry partners have helped students become success ready through career to classroom opportunities; created a new home for UHart’s prosthetics and orthotics program that is also a world-class clinic for those with limb loss; and allowed two students to spend a year living with and caring for residents at a senior living community. A just-announced partnership with Aetna will enhance UHart’s career readiness efforts.
Meanwhile, UHart’s close ties with state government continue. Governor Lamont—who chose UHart’s Hursey Center as the location for a news conference on a multi-state nursing compact—recently tapped Ward to serve on a statewide task force aimed at building clear career pathways for young people in Connecticut.
Amidst these endeavors, Ward has found time to attend first-year orientations, the senior BBQ, and alumni events nationwide. He has cheered on Hartford Athletics and delivered Quad Talks to more regularly connect with students on social media.
Lawrence P. Ward, PresidentI think over the first two years, the work that I’m most proud of is the evolution of the culture of the University. Faculty and staff across schools and colleges and across departments, all recognizing what’s ahead and believing in the University of Hartford. As we build on our momentum, I would ask each member of our community to consider the question: What can we do better, together?
Now, with another Commencement behind him, more possibilities lie ahead in Ward’s third year as president of the University of Hartford.
A new strategic plan, long in development, is reaching its implementation phase. An actionable, forward-looking, and data-informed roadmap, the plan will guide the University's priorities and investments through 2031. The strategic plan also sets the stage for an ambitious comprehensive fundraising campaign.
Today, Ward, is as energetic and optimistic as ever.
In a recent television appearance, he talked about the sense of forward movement he sees on campus—one he says every member of the University community is contributing to.
“I think over the first two years, the work that I’m most proud of is the evolution of the culture of the University,” he said. “Faculty and staff across schools and colleges and across departments, all recognizing what’s ahead and believing in the University of Hartford.” Year three will include challenges along with achievement, with the UHart community powerfully asking, “What can we do better together?”
Reflecting on Year Two
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