News Release
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Nicole S. Rowe
Administrative Assistant,
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320 DuPont Highway
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nicole.s.rowe@wilmu.edu
Wilmington University Vice President Dr. Laverne Harmon Receives Office of Women in Higher Education Leadership Award
Dr. LaVerne Harmon, University Vice President at Wilmington University, was one of three women recognized at the American Council on Education (ACE) Office of Women in Higher Education (OWHE) fall awards dinner. The dinner, which was held at Widener University School of Law in Wilmington, is held annually to honor the accomplishments of women in higher education. Dr. Harmon received the Leadership Award, which is presented to an outstanding female in Delaware “on the basis of leadership activities and significant contributions to any aspect of higher education.”
Two Rising Star Awards were presented to women in higher education whose “potential to achieve more is evident.” The recipients were Meaghan Davidson, University Student Centers Program Coordinator at the University of Delaware, and Sharon Lynn Mossman, faculty member in the Allied Health/Dental Hygiene Department at Delaware Technical and Community College. The keynote speaker for the evening was Peggy Eddens, Executive Vice President and Director of Human Capital Management at WSFS Bank. She remarked on the importance of female leadership and equality in the workplace.
The ACE - OWHE Delaware Network was established in 2001 to help improve professional environments for women by encouraging, supporting, and providing networking and professional development opportunities in higher education throughout the state. Dr. Kathy Friel, President of the Delaware Network, commended each of the honorees on their achievements and commented on the importance of recognizing the accomplishments of women. “Dr. Harmon is an outstanding leader who has been very supportive of helping others succeed, said Dr. Friel. She went on saying, “Dr. Harmon is a positive role model for us all and is deserving of the Leadership Award.”
Dr. Harmon has held various administrative positions during her career at Wilmington University including Assistant to the President, Director of Student Affairs, and Vice President of Student Affairs. She has also worked as an adjunct professor for the University’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. One of Dr. Harmon’s most notable accomplishments is the design and implementation of Wilmington University’s Leadership Institute, a program that helps to develop and prepare internal employees for the next level of leadership.
In her acceptance speech Dr. Harmon humbly thanked her family, friends, and colleagues for their support and encouragement. “I graciously accept this award on behalf of everyone who played a role in providing the experiences I needed to bring me to this point in my life and in my career.” She then spoke on some of the points she values about leadership. “First and foremost, it’s a service position – leaders should have a sincere desire to improve the lives of others. As a leader you’re obligated to train, educate, inspire, motivate, encourage, and empower others. And, it’s important to lead with compassion.” She left the audience with a question to ponder from one of her readings on leadership, “Can anyone say about you, ‘my life is better because of you?’ The answer should be yes. If the answer is no, it’s not too late to change it!”
Over the years Dr. Harmon has shown her leadership expertise not only in the workplace but in the community as well. In 2001 she served as the Vice President of the ACE-OWHE Delaware Network. She went on to become President of the ACE-OWHE Delaware Network in 2003, a position she held until 2006. As an advocate for United Way, Dr. Harmon serves as the United Way Education Chair for Delaware. She is also a member of the International Women’s Forum.
Congratulations Dr. Harmon!
