DELAWARE
BUSINESS
ROUNDTABLE
Dr. LaVerne Harmon
President, Wilmington University
Dr. LaVerne Harmon became President of Wilmington University in July of 2017 after being unanimously approved by its Board of Trustees. She is the first African American woman to be named the president of a college or university in Delaware. Dr. Harmon also oversees operations of the Wilmington University School of Law. She holds a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Harmon began working at Wilmington University (then college) in 1989 and held numerous positions while earning undergraduate and graduate degrees from Wilmington University.
She then maintained her full-time position while earning her doctorate. Dr. Harmon held key roles in the University’s internal operations, planning, and strategic growth, flourishing from positions as assistant to the President to director of Human Resources, from director of Student Affairs and Alumni Relations to vice president of Student Affairs, and from Executive Vice President to President. Dr. Harmon dedicates herself to the well-being and success of all students. A collaborative leader who also thrives on building partnerships, she created the University’s Leadership Institute, established its offices of Student Affairs and Disability Services, and advanced the University’s athletics from NAIA to NCAA Division II.
Dr. Harmon authored and published “The Heart of Leadership: A Personal Reflection,” a book that enlightens professionals about the importance of compassion, a trait that informs many successful and respected leaders’ actions and behaviors. Proceeds from book sales are donated to the Wilmington University Linda Thomas Scholarship, which Dr. Harmon founded in 1999 in memory of her sister.
Dr. Harmon serves on several boards and committees, including the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU); Delaware State Chamber of Commerce (Board of Directors, Board of Governors, Nominating Committee); Delaware Business Roundtable Executive Committee; Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (Presidents Council Treasurer); Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation (Advisory), The Mary Campbell Center (Board), United Way of Delaware (Board Secretary), Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware (Board), Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore (Advisory); and The Grand Opera House (Board, 2023 and 2017 Grand Gala Co-Chair). Dr. Harmon is also Presidential Sponsor and Executive Committee Member of the American Council on Education: Office of Women in Higher Education Delaware Network. She holds memberships in the International Women’s Forum and the Delaware Business Roundtable.
Dr. Harmon was instrumental in establishing the Delaware American Council on Education Women’s Network (DAWN) and served as a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International.