Dr. LaVerne Harmon, President of Wilmington University

Biography

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, along with the completed 52,000-square-foot law building and the ongoing construction of an 85,000-square-foot Convocation Center at the University’s Brandywine location. Dr. Harmon holds a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Harmon began working at Wilmington University (then Wilmington College) in 1989 and held numerous positions while earning undergraduate and graduate degrees from the institution. 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, with leadership positions in student affairs, alumni relations, human resources, marketing, recruiting, and admissions. Titles included executive vice president, university vice president, vice president of student affairs, dean of student affairs, and assistant to the president. She 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 Student Accessibility Services Office, and advanced the University’s athletics from NAIA to NCAA Division II.

Dr. Harmon has earned numerous accolades, including the Thomas Edison Charter School Community Service Award (2025), Continental Societies Inc. Delaware Area Chapter President’s Award (2024), A. Philip Randolph Institute Delaware Chapter African American Women Firsts for the State of Delaware Award (2023), Canaan Baptist Church Educational Leadership Award (2023), Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation Inspiration Award (2021), Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay Northern Woman of Distinction Award (2019), Girls Inc. Strong, Smart & Bold Award (2018), Associazione Regional Abruzzese Delco Person of the Year Award (2018), New Castle County Chamber of Commerce Women’s Leadership Award (2018), NAACP Martha Evans Excellence in Education Award (Wilmington branch) (2018), Toastmasters District 18 Communication & Leadership Award (2017), Nu Upsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Educator of the Year Award (2017), The National Association of University Women Educator of the Year Award (2015), Markevic A. Johnson Scholarship Foundation Woman of Distinction Award (2015), Phi Delta Kappa Educator of the Year Award (2013), The American Council on Education Leadership Award (2011), and The National Association of University Women Community Service in Education Award (2000).

Under Dr. Harmon’s leadership, Wilmington University received the 2025 Spotlight on Excellence: A University Meeting the Challenges in a Global Society Award from the National Association of University Women (Wilmington branch). The honor recognized the University’s exceptional contributions and commitment to preparing students for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

Dr. Harmon authored and published “The Heart of Leadership: A Personal Reflection,” a book that illuminates the importance of compassion and how it informs the actions and behaviors of many successful and respected leaders. Proceeds from book sales are donated to the Wilmington University Linda Thomas Scholarship, which Dr. Harmon founded 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 Governors, Nominating Committee); Delaware Business Roundtable; 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; Grand Gala Co-Chair, 2017 and 2023). Dr. Harmon is also the Presidential Sponsor and Executive Committee Member of the American Council on Education: Office of Women in Higher Education Delaware Network. She is a member of the International Women’s Forum and the Delaware Business Roundtable (Executive Committee).

Dr. Harmon was instrumental in establishing the Delaware American Council on Education Women’s Network (DAWN) and is a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International.