Harrison accepts Hartford presidency

After leaving an indelible mark on the University through nine years of service as Vice President for University relations, Walt Harrison is bidding farewell to the University of Michigan and heading to the University of Hartford, where he will act as its fifth president.

Harrison announced during a press conference at the University of Hartford last Thursday that he plans to leave Michigan on June 1. Harrison became secretary of the University when President Lee Bollinger added the position to his existing duties in January.

As part of the ceremony to welcome Harrison to the campus, Hartford held a reception in his honor, followed by a student and faculty softball game.

Harrison described the day spent at Hartford as "the most wonderful day of my life. The people were so warm and enthusiastic about my coming here."

Associate Vice President for University Relations Lisa Baker said Michigan has been "fortunate to have a leader like Walt."

Baker said anyone as gifted and hard-working as Harrison inevitably will be pursued by other universities.

"My reaction was ... sorrow," Baker said after learning of Harrison's decision. "When someone is as talented and creative as Walt, it's not a surprise that someone would try to entice him to leave."

Harrison described his new position as an enormous opportunity. Harrison said his wife is also excited about his decision.

"My friends and colleagues are happy for me, and sad that I am leaving," Harrison said. "I find that very touching."

Regent Shirley McFee (R-Goodrich) said that since Harrison had not been actively seeking other job opportunities, not much thought had been given to lining up a replacement. McFee said Harrison's job currently encompasses intergovernmental, public and media relations in the University. She added that more than one person may be needed to fill the post.

"We need to find someone to fill those responsibilities," McFee said. "We haven't determined who it's going to be, and how we are going to fill the position."

McFee said Harrison has been a valuable player at the University.

Dave Isger, director of Media Relations at the University of Hartford, said his university is fortunate to have attracted Harrison.

"The search committee voted unanimously and the Board of Regents voted unanimously in favor of Walt," Isger said. "He is the perfect candidate to lead the University of Hartford."

Harrison received his degree in 1968 from Trinity College in Connecticut and said he looks forward to getting reacquainted with the area.

"Part of my attraction to the University of Hartford is that I have always had a warm spot for the Hartford community," Harrison said.

Harrison said his interest was sparked as he learned more about the University of Hartford.

"I was really fascinated by their commitment to students," Harrison said. "It's an opportunity for me that I am very excited about."

Although his term as president does not begin until July 1, Harrison said he intends to leave a month early to become more familiar with the campus, following Bollinger's example.

Harrison said he will do whatever he can to ensure his absence does not cause any problems for the University of Michigan.

Harrison said he has deep roots in University of Michigan.

"The first song I ever knew was 'The Victors,'" Harrison said.

05-05-98