Wilmington University President Dr. LaVerne Harmon Selected for 2026 Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame
The Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame will welcome Wilmington University President Dr. LaVerne Harmon among its 2026 class of inductees.
Presented by the Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy, a division of the Delaware Department of Human Resources, in partnership with the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Committee, the annual Hall of Fame honors women whose achievements have strengthened Delaware and inspired generations of future leaders.
Dr. Harmon was selected in recognition of the academic, institutional and student-focused achievements highlighted in her nomination, including the launch of the Farnan School of Law, the establishment of the College of Sciences and Engineering, expanded nursing and healthcare workforce initiatives, significant growth at the Brandywine location, and the creation of new leadership and student support programs.
Her selection also recognizes her historic role as the first African American woman to lead a Delaware college or university.
I’m honored by this recognition and grateful to be inducted alongside three distinguished leaders who have made meaningful contributions to Delaware.
— Dr. LaVerne Harmon
“I’m honored by this recognition and grateful to be inducted alongside three distinguished leaders who have made meaningful contributions to Delaware,” says Dr. Harmon. “The accomplishments recognized through this honor reflect years of collaboration and a clear commitment to expanding opportunity for our students. I’m proud of what Wilmington University has achieved and grateful to the faculty, staff, board of trustees and supporters who have helped advance that work. I celebrate this recognition with the entire University community.”
Gov. Matt Meyer announced the four inductees on July 31. Dr. Harmon joins Mary C. Dennison, who is being honored posthumously, a pioneering educator and civic leader; Judith Drexler, who transformed services for vulnerable children as the first director of Delaware’s Division of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families; and Terri Kelly, former president and CEO of W.L. Gore & Associates, who led one of Delaware’s most innovative global companies.
In a statement announcing this year’s class, Gov. Meyer said, “These four extraordinary women didn’t just achieve success in their own fields—they opened doors for others, strengthened our communities and helped shape the Delaware we know today. Their leadership reminds us that progress is built by people willing to serve, innovate and create opportunities for those who follow. It is an honor to recognize their remarkable contributions and welcome them into the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame.”
These four extraordinary women didn’t just achieve success in their own fields—they opened doors for others, strengthened our communities and helped shape the Delaware we know today.
— Gov. Matt Meyer
Under Dr. Harmon’s leadership, Wilmington University launched the Farnan School of Law and established the College of Sciences and Engineering, creating new academic pathways for students and responding to evolving workforce needs. The University also expanded initiatives supporting the nursing and healthcare workforce pipeline.
She strengthened WilmU’s presence in Brandywine, where the University purchased additional buildings, completed a law school building and added a Convocation Center, creating new spaces for learning and community engagement.
Her leadership has also extended beyond academic programs and facilities. Dr. Harmon created the University’s Leadership Institute, established the Student Accessibility Services Office and led the transition of WilmU Athletics from the NAIA to NCAA Division II.
Compassion is also central to Dr. Harmon’s approach to leadership. She is the author of “The Heart of Leadership: A Personal Reflection,” which explores the role compassion plays in effective leadership. Proceeds from the book support the Wilmington University Linda Thomas Scholarship, named in memory of her sister.
Together, these achievements reflect a presidency centered on access, innovation, compassion and student success, expanding opportunity for students while strengthening the University’s impact across Delaware.
Dr. Harmon now joins more than 150 women whose leadership and service have earned them a place in the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame. Established in 1981, it is the state’s longest-running recognition program celebrating the accomplishments of Delaware women from a wide range of professions and backgrounds.
The Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame will welcome Wilmington University President Dr. LaVerne Harmon among its 2026 class of inductees.
Presented by the Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy, a division of the Delaware Department of Human Resources, in partnership with the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Committee, the annual Hall of Fame honors women whose achievements have strengthened Delaware and inspired generations of future leaders.
Dr. Harmon was selected in recognition of the academic, institutional and student-focused achievements highlighted in her nomination, including the launch of the Farnan School of Law, the establishment of the College of Sciences and Engineering, expanded nursing and healthcare workforce initiatives, significant growth at the Brandywine location, and the creation of new leadership and student support programs.
Her selection also recognizes her historic role as the first African American woman to lead a Delaware college or university.
I’m honored by this recognition and grateful to be inducted alongside three distinguished leaders who have made meaningful contributions to Delaware.
— Dr. LaVerne Harmon
“I’m honored by this recognition and grateful to be inducted alongside three distinguished leaders who have made meaningful contributions to Delaware,” says Dr. Harmon. “The accomplishments recognized through this honor reflect years of collaboration and a clear commitment to expanding opportunity for our students. I’m proud of what Wilmington University has achieved and grateful to the faculty, staff, board of trustees and supporters who have helped advance that work. I celebrate this recognition with the entire University community.”
Gov. Matt Meyer announced the four inductees on July 31. Dr. Harmon joins Mary C. Dennison, who is being honored posthumously, a pioneering educator and civic leader; Judith Drexler, who transformed services for vulnerable children as the first director of Delaware’s Division of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families; and Terri Kelly, former president and CEO of W.L. Gore & Associates, who led one of Delaware’s most innovative global companies.
In a statement announcing this year’s class, Gov. Meyer said, “These four extraordinary women didn’t just achieve success in their own fields—they opened doors for others, strengthened our communities and helped shape the Delaware we know today. Their leadership reminds us that progress is built by people willing to serve, innovate and create opportunities for those who follow. It is an honor to recognize their remarkable contributions and welcome them into the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame.”
These four extraordinary women didn’t just achieve success in their own fields—they opened doors for others, strengthened our communities and helped shape the Delaware we know today.
— Gov. Matt Meyer
Under Dr. Harmon’s leadership, Wilmington University launched the Farnan School of Law and established the College of Sciences and Engineering, creating new academic pathways for students and responding to evolving workforce needs. The University also expanded initiatives supporting the nursing and healthcare workforce pipeline.
She strengthened WilmU’s presence in Brandywine, where the University purchased additional buildings, completed a law school building and added a Convocation Center, creating new spaces for learning and community engagement.
Her leadership has also extended beyond academic programs and facilities. Dr. Harmon created the University’s Leadership Institute, established the Student Accessibility Services Office and led the transition of WilmU Athletics from the NAIA to NCAA Division II.
Compassion is also central to Dr. Harmon’s approach to leadership. She is the author of “The Heart of Leadership: A Personal Reflection,” which explores the role compassion plays in effective leadership. Proceeds from the book support the Wilmington University Linda Thomas Scholarship, named in memory of her sister.
Together, these achievements reflect a presidency centered on access, innovation, compassion and student success, expanding opportunity for students while strengthening the University’s impact across Delaware.
Dr. Harmon now joins more than 150 women whose leadership and service have earned them a place in the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame. Established in 1981, it is the state’s longest-running recognition program celebrating the accomplishments of Delaware women from a wide range of professions and backgrounds.
