The day-to-day duties of a university president are often a mystery to alumni, students, parents and friends.
Here, we lift the curtain with a snapshot of the everyday responsibilities of President Patrick Harker as he runs the University and creates a vision for the future of higher education.
Photo by Kathy F. Atkinson
“I always will consider myself a faculty member before anything else.”
Talking with an engineering professor in the lobby of the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Laboratory.
Photo by Evan Krape
“We need to make sure that we’re providing this next generation of students with an education that is going to serve them throughout their lifetime.”
Attending Executive Committee meeting with University leadership.
Photo by Evan Krape
“At every football game, I try to go into the student section for a quarter and hang out with the students.”
Cheering with fellow UD fans at a home football game.
Photo by Mark Campbell
“We need our alumni and friends not only for philanthropic support – we need them to open doors.”
Talking with friends at the R&B Lounge during Alumni Weekend 2014.
Photo by Kevin Quinlan
“My role is about looking further ahead and making sure the University is well positioned for our future.”
Working at his office white board on a new paper about the future of higher education.
Photo by Kathy F. Atkinson
“It’s not just about improving the quality of what we do, but telling people about it.”
Sitting for a press interview with a radio station in southern Delaware.
Photo by Kathy F. Atkinson
“This is a generation unlike any other. They are going to be extremely adaptable because the world they’re inheriting is far from certain.”
Dropping in on a freshman experience class gathered outside during a fall day on campus.
Photo by Evan Krape
“Universities are playing an increasing role in the economic health of our country.”
Waiting for the Amtrak train to Washington, D.C., at Wilmington Train Station. Harker makes frequent trips up and down the East Coast on behalf of UD.
Photo by Evan Krape
“Students are getting a great educational experience at UD that’s not always in a traditional classroom.”
With a UD undergraduate, posing for the “high-five” challenge with the president.
Photo by Kathy F. Atkinson
“You just have to get ready for the pace. Beyond policy and projects, it’s just the pace. It’s a 24/7 kind of job.”
Retiring to his residence on campus at the end of the day.
Photo by Evan Krape
