Lawrence P. Ward, a dynamic leader in the national higher education landscape with deep Connecticut roots, has begun his tenure as the seventh president of the University of Hartford.
Ward comes to UHart after a 10-year tenure at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where he served as vice president for learner success and dean of campus life. He succeeds Stephen Mulready M’77, who stepped in as acting president after the University’s sixth president, Gregory Woodward, retired a year ago.
Ward’s numerous accomplishments at Babson include: providing vision and oversight for major capital construction projects; advancing fundraising priorities that enhance student well-being, belonging, and engagement; reimagining the student success infrastructure; building a championship intercollegiate athletics culture; developing new non-tuition revenue channels; and strengthening the College’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
“At each stage of my career, the hallmark of my leadership success has been my ability to authentically engage within and beyond my campus community,” Ward says. “In my experience, leading with personal authenticity and humility, as well as with vision and strategy, builds credibility, increases trust, and strengthens people’s willingness to work well together. That’s how I will approach my presidency at UHart.”
Ward takes the reins at a time when the University is focused on holistic student success and growing its strategic partnerships, adding valuable support, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities for students. UHart recently announced a $3 million gift from Stanley Black & Decker to provide scholarships for students from 29 towns within the Greater Hartford area.
“Stanley Black & Decker, Hartford HealthCare, Pratt & Whitney, and other industry leaders in Connecticut are stepping up to make significant investments into the University of Hartford,” says Board of Regents Chair Donald Allan Jr. ’86. “We recognize the talented pipeline of students receiving an exceptional and hands-on educational experience at UHart, and what that means for the future of our workforce in the state. It’s a transformational time and President Ward will be a critical partner in our growth.”
Gifts from alumni and corporate partners are also helping the University to forge ahead with several capital projects, including the Grant Family Track and Field, scheduled to open this fall.
Lawrence P. Ward, Seventh president of the University of HartfordAs president, I will embrace not only UHart’s mission, proud history, and strengths, but also confidently lean into new opportunities and substantive challenges—while demonstrating a deep appreciation for the values of transparency and community engagement
Ward agrees that a sustainable and vibrant future for the University of Hartford is linked closely to playing a prominent and contributing role in the vitality of the Greater Hartford region and state of Connecticut. He says he is excited by the prospects of collaborating creatively with major corporations, elected officials, civic organizations, and other local colleges to expand UHart’s educational and economic ecosystem. Ward notes that strengthening those regional connections is also vital to expanding UHart’s enrollment model and elevating the brand to new levels of recognition beyond the region.
“I have long admired the University’s unique array of schools and academic units, including compelling combinations of the liberal, performing, and creative arts, with great depth in the sciences and professions,” Ward emphasizes. “As president, I will embrace not only UHart’s mission, proud history, and strengths, but also confidently lean into new opportunities and substantive challenges—while demonstrating a deep appreciation for the values of transparency and community engagement.”
Ward holds multiple leadership positions in higher education, including as a member of the NCAA Board of Governors, chair of the NCAA Division III Management Council, and trustee at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Connecticut.
Ward earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Connecticut, his master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Michigan, and his doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania, where he holds a faculty appointment in the Graduate School of Education.
Ward and his wife, Katerie, an elementary school teacher, are both from the Greater Hartford area and they have two children: Aidan, who lives and works full time in New York City, and Emerson, who will begin college this fall. His extended family has been a staple in the Hartford region since the 1940s. Ward’s father is president emeritus of the Hartford Jazz Society, his mother is a retired human resources executive, and his brother is currently senior pastor of First Church Congregational in West Hartford.
“My most fundamental truth is that leadership success is about the people whom I lead and the communities that I serve,” Ward adds. “Without question, returning home to Hartford to lead this incredible institution into its next chapter is a very special and exciting opportunity for my family and me.”