Leadership Updates and Reminders

With the new academic year here already, we are all looking forward to reconnecting with returning colleagues and students, and welcoming everyone who is new to campus.

As you work with faculty and staff across the University of Hartford’s schools and colleges, please take note of some changes in the University’s leadership this academic year.

Stephen Mulready M’77 is continuing to serve as acting president through the end of June, with a new president expected to be appointed for July 2024. Steve is already a familiar face on campus, previously serving as dean of the Barney School of Business since 2021. An alum of Barney, he has been engaged with the University for decades. He taught as a part-time faculty member and served on both the Barney School of Business Board of Visitors and the University of Hartford Board of Regents. Additionally, Stanley Black & Decker CEO and President Donald Allan Jr. ’86, has been named as board chair. This is the first time in the University’s history that two alumni have occupied the top leadership roles.

Additional information on the presidential search can always be found on the search website.

Within our schools and colleges, Carmen Cotei is now serving as interim dean of the Barney School, having previously held the role of associate dean of administration and accreditation at the school. Carmen has been a part of Barney since 2004 when she became an assistant professor of finance. Since that time, she’s become a tenured professor and held multiple leadership roles, including program director and department chair. An official search for the next Barney School of Business dean will launch this fall.

Dale Merrill, dean of The Hartt School, will expand his role to also serve as dean of the Hartford Art School, effective Oct. 1, following HAS Dean Nancy Stuart’s retirement. This will bring further connections between our two schools focusing on the arts, and the timeline will allow for a seamless transition in leadership. Dale came to UHart in 2021, having previously served as dean of the College of the Arts at California State University Fullerton, leading the largest visual and performing arts program within the CSU system.

A search has also begun for a new dean to oversee both the College of Arts and Sciences and Hillyer College. Interim Deans Mark Blackwell and Fran Altvater will continue in their roles until a new dean has been appointed.

At Harrison Libraries, Nick Wharton is serving as interim library director. He began working at UHart in 2006 as a reference and circulation librarian, and since 2007 has served as the head of reference and public services for Mortensen Library.

In the Athletics Department, the search for a new director of athletics and recreation is making progress, with an anticipated start date this fall. In the interim, David Goldenberg is leading the department. David last served as dean of Hillyer and also taught in the college.

Enjoy these final days of summer, and best wishes for a successful start to the new year!