UHart Announces Leadership Changes At University

University of Hartford

WEST HARTFORD/HARTFORD, CT — The University of Hartford this week has appointed three new leaders to its leadership team, including an interim president of the university.

According to an announcement sent out Thursday afternoon, the UHart Board of Regents appointed Barney School of Business Dean Stephen M. Mulready as interim president.

In addition, it appointed Stanley Black & Decker CEO and President Donald Allan Jr. as board of regents chairman.

Regents also named Katherine Black, currently serving as interim provost, to the provost role for an initial term of three years.

The appointments were unanimously approved at a Tuesday, March 21, meeting.

Mulready will begin his term in July, following the retirement of UHart President Gregory Woodward, who recently announced plans to retire at the completion of his contract June 30.

“My education from the University of Hartford has been invaluable in helping me reach my life and career goals,” Mulready said. "I am excited to take on this role during a time of transition and momentum, leading the UHart Start strategic action plan with the goal of continuing to position the university as a leader among peer institutions.

"I look forward to working with our UHart community to further the best interests of this very special place.”

Allan has been a UHart regent since 2015, as well as a past member of the Barney School’s Board of Visitors.

He officially steps into the role of board chair in May, following the five-year term of current chairman David Gordon.

Allan has made building expansions and renovations possible at UHart, with Stanley contributing to spaces and technology in the Barney School of Business, the Hursey Center for Advanced Engineering and Health Professions, and most recently, the planned outdoor track and field.

“I have personally experienced the admirable and meaningful impact the University of Hartford makes on the lives of students and on the state of Connecticut,” said Allan.

“As an alumnus, board member and corporate partner, I have a unique leadership perspective and I am honored to succeed David Gordon as the chair of the board of regents. The board is deeply appreciative of his dedication to UHart over the last five years.”

Black’s new tenure as provost will begin immediately. She was named interim provost last year after serving as dean of UHart’s College of Arts and Sciences since November 2014.

“The University of Hartford is near and dear to my heart. I have tremendous respect for its history, its academic programs, its teacher-scholar model, its shared governance processes and— most importantly—its people,” said Black. “I look forward to working together with faculty, staff, and students to continue to advance our mission and to create a community where everyone can thrive.”

Regents are currently interviewing national presidential search firms in anticipation of selecting a firm and naming a comprehensive presidential search committee.

A more detailed search timeline will be shared shortly thereafter.

For the full announcement by UHart, click on this link.

From Feb. 27: 'UHart's President To Retire In June'