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February 24, 2023

UHart President Woodward to retire

HBJ PHOTO | STEVE LASCHEVER University of Hartford President Gregory Woodward.
By Robert Storace

The University of Hartford announced Friday afternoon that President Gregory Woodward plans to retire this summer, effective June 30.

In a statement on the university website Woodward, who has been president since July 2017, said: “It is after deep thought and reflection that I share my decision to retire at the end of my contract in June. I am extremely proud of the work that I have led here at UHart specifically, and of what we have accomplished together.”

Woodward’s six-year tenure at the university was marked by both accomplishments and controversy.

During his time at the West Hartford-based private university, Woodward, 68, oversaw the creation of the 60,000-square-foot Francis X. and Nancy Hursey Center for Advanced Engineering and Health Professions. The center was part of a $58 million investment that included renovations to two existing academic spaces and increased classroom space for general education courses.

In addition, Woodward, who has 45 years in higher education under his belt, oversaw the launch of 16 new undergraduate and graduate academic programs including, nursing, aerospace, engineering, data science, and digital media and journalism.

Woodward, however, faced public backlash in 2021, when the university’s Board of Regents voted to transition the school’s athletics program from NCAA Division I to Division III. Some students, alum and sports fans expressed displeasure with the decision. It even led to a student-led lawsuit claiming UHart “reneged on its commitment” to student-athletes.

Woodward said the move was a necessary cost-cutting measure. 

The university said The Board of Regents will be sharing updates on the succession plans.


 

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