{"id":20832,"date":"2026-10-21T09:31:15","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T13:31:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/?p=20832"},"modified":"2026-10-21T09:32:04","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T13:32:04","slug":"wilmington-university-president-dr-laverne-harmon-2026-delaware-womens-hall-fame","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/2026\/10\/21\/wilmington-university-president-dr-laverne-harmon-2026-delaware-womens-hall-fame\/","title":{"rendered":"Wilmington University President Dr. LaVerne Harmon Inducted Into 2026 Delaware Women\u2019s Hall of Fame"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kadence-column20832_b55cab-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);}.kadence-column20832_b55cab-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column20832_b55cab-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column20832_b55cab-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column20832_b55cab-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column20832_b55cab-e4{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column20832_b55cab-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 991px){.kadence-column20832_b55cab-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column20832_b55cab-e4\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Delaware Women\u2019s Hall of Fame welcomed Wilmington University President <strong>Dr. LaVerne Harmon<\/strong> as one of its 2026 inductees during a ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Presented by the Office of Women\u2019s Advancement &amp; Advocacy, a division of the Delaware Department of Human Resources, in partnership with the Delaware Women\u2019s Hall of Fame Committee, the annual Hall of Fame honors women whose achievements have strengthened Delaware and inspired generations of future leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gov. <strong>Matt Meyer<\/strong> originally announced the four honorees on July 31. Dr. Harmon was inducted alongside three other distinguished women: <strong>Mary C. Dennison<\/strong>, a pioneering educator and civic leader who was honored posthumously; <strong>Judith Drexler<\/strong>, who transformed services for vulnerable children as the first director of Delaware\u2019s Division of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families; and <strong>Terri Kelly<\/strong>, former president and CEO of W.L. Gore &amp; Associates, who led one of Delaware\u2019s most innovative global companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In his statement, Gov. Meyer said, \u201cThese four extraordinary women didn\u2019t just achieve success in their own fields\u2014they 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\u2019s Hall of Fame.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Harmon\u2019s selection recognizes her contributions to Wilmington University and higher education in Delaware, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her contributions have also extended beyond academic programs and facilities. Dr. Harmon created the University\u2019s Leadership Institute, established its Student Accessibility Services Office and led the transition of WilmU Athletics from the NAIA to NCAA Division II.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m honored by this recognition and grateful to be inducted alongside three leaders who have made meaningful contributions to Delaware,\u201d says Dr. Harmon. \u201cThe accomplishments recognized through this honor reflect years of collaboration and a clear commitment to expanding opportunity for our students. I\u2019m 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id20832_2033af-ee{margin-top:0em;margin-bottom:0em;}.kb-row-layout-id20832_2033af-ee > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:center;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id20832_2033af-ee > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:center;}.kb-row-layout-id20832_2033af-ee > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );max-width:var( --global-content-width, 1290px );padding-left:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-right:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-top:0em;padding-right:0em;padding-bottom:0em;padding-left:0em;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id20832_2033af-ee > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}.kb-row-layout-id20832_2033af-ee ,.kb-row-layout-id20832_2033af-ee h1,.kb-row-layout-id20832_2033af-ee h2,.kb-row-layout-id20832_2033af-ee h3,.kb-row-layout-id20832_2033af-ee h4,.kb-row-layout-id20832_2033af-ee h5,.kb-row-layout-id20832_2033af-ee h6{color:#00843d;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id20832_2033af-ee > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id20832_2033af-ee{border-top:1px solid #db1313;}}@media all and (max-width: 991px){.kb-row-layout-id20832_2033af-ee > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id20832_2033af-ee{border-top:1px solid #db1313;}}\/**** BLOCKQUOTE CSS ****\/\/* @import \"https:\/\/www.wilmu.edu\/css\/blog\/style.css\"; *\/:root {  --global-md-spacing: 1.5rem;  --color-accent: #f9c22c;  --color-neutral3: #605f60;  --radius-md: 0.625rem;  --quote-size-text: clamp(1.25rem, 3cqi, 2.25rem);  --quote-size: clamp(2.5rem, 8cqi, 5rem);}\/* =========================   BLOCKQUOTE CONTAINER========================= *\/blockquote.wu-blockquote-simple {  container-type: inline-size;   margin-block: 0;  border-radius: var(--radius-md);  border: 0.15rem solid rgba(0 132 61 \/ 6%);  box-shadow:\t\t 0px 3px 1px -2px rgba(0 0 0 \/ 20%),\t\t 0px 2px 2px 0px rgba(0 0 0 \/ 14%),\t\t 0px 1px 5px 0px rgba(0 0 0 \/ 12%);\tposition: relative;\tisolation: isolate;\tcolor: var(--color-neutral3);\tinline-size: 100%;  padding: 1.875rem 2.688rem;  flex: 1;  display: flex;  flex-direction: column;  align-items: center;  text-wrap:balance;}\/* =========================   TEXT BLOCK (anchor)========================= *\/blockquote.wu-blockquote-simple p {\tposition: relative;\tinline-size: -webkit-fit-content;\tinline-size: -moz-fit-content;\tinline-size: fit-content;\tcolor: var(--color-primary);\tmax-inline-size: 40ch;\thanging-punctuation: first last;\tfont-family: ui-serif, Georgia, Cambria, \"Times New Roman\", serif;\tfont-weight: 600;\tfont-size: var(--quote-size-text);\tmargin-block: 0 !important;}\/* =========================   QUOTES========================= *\/blockquote.wu-blockquote-simple p::before,blockquote.wu-blockquote-simple p::after {\tposition: absolute;  font-size: var(--quote-size);  font-weight: 700;  line-height: 1;  color: var(--color-accent);  opacity: 0.45;\tz-index: 0;}\/* =========================   OPEN QUOTE========================= *\/blockquote.wu-blockquote-simple p::before {  content: open-quote;  \/* optical margin alignment *\/  left: -0.65em;  \/* top: -0.25em; *\/}\/* =========================   CLOSE QUOTE========================= *\/blockquote.wu-blockquote-simple p::after {  content: close-quote;\t-webkit-margin-after: -1rem;\tmargin-block-end: -1rem;}\/* ========================= CITATION ========================= *\/blockquote.wu-blockquote-simple cite {  display: block;  inline-size: -webkit-fit-content;  inline-size: -moz-fit-content;  inline-size: fit-content;  margin-inline: auto;\tfont-family: proxima nova, system-sans, sans-serif;  font-style: italic;  color: var(--color-neutral3);\t-webkit-text-stroke: 0.25px rgba(0 0 0 \/ 25%);\tletter-spacing: .03em;}.wu-blockquote-row {\tmargin: 0 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id20832_2033af-ee alignnone FULL wu-blockquote-row wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-middle kb-theme-content-width\">\n<style>.kadence-column20832_9115a0-61 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);}.kadence-column20832_9115a0-61 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column20832_9115a0-61 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column20832_9115a0-61 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column20832_9115a0-61 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column20832_9115a0-61{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column20832_9115a0-61 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 991px){.kadence-column20832_9115a0-61 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column20832_9115a0-61 kb-section-dir-vertical wu-blockquote-section\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote wu-blockquote-simple wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While I\u2019m proud to have been the first African American woman to serve as a university president in Delaware, being first has always meant something more to me. If you\u2019re the first, I believe you have a responsibility to make sure you\u2019re not the last \u2014 and, for me, that means helping to open doors for all deserving women, regardless of race, status or age.<\/p>\n<cite>\u2014 <em>Dr. LaVerne Harmon<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During her acceptance remarks, Dr. Harmon congratulated her fellow inductees, recognized her family and reflected on the significance of the honor and her historic role as the first African American woman to lead a Delaware college or university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhile I\u2019m proud to have been the first African American woman to serve as a university president in Delaware, being first has always meant something more to me.&nbsp; If you\u2019re the first, I believe you have a responsibility to make sure you\u2019re not the last \u2014 and, for me, that means helping to open doors for all deserving women, regardless of race, status or age.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Harmon said she was humbled by the honor, adding, \u201cI don\u2019t want it to be only about me.&nbsp; I hope, in some way, I\u2019m being used as an instrument for a purpose beyond myself.&nbsp; If someone can look at my journey and see a reason to keep moving forward, then this recognition has even greater meaning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That commitment to helping others also reflects Dr. Harmon\u2019s guiding philosophy. She is the author of \u201cThe Heart of Leadership: A Personal Reflection,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Harmon now joins more than 150 women whose leadership and service have earned them a place in the Delaware Women\u2019s Hall of Fame. Established in 1981, it is the state\u2019s longest-running recognition program celebrating the accomplishments of Delaware women from a wide range of professions and backgrounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2014 <em>Maria Hess<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Delaware Women\u2019s Hall of Fame welcomed Wilmington University President Dr. LaVerne Harmon as one of its 2026 inductees during a ceremony on Thursday, Oct&#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":20833,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[54,14,15,70],"class_list":["post-20832","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-academic-news","tag-dr-laverne-harmon","tag-wilmington-university","tag-wilmu","tag-wilmu-home"],"acf":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":2,"label":"ACADEMIC NEWS"}],"post_tag":[{"value":54,"label":"Dr. Laverne Harmon"},{"value":14,"label":"Wilmington University"},{"value":15,"label":"WilmU"},{"value":70,"label":"wilmu-home"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/dr-harmon-hall-fame-induction-480x480.jpg",480,480,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Rachel Marchione","author_link":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/author\/rachel\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":2,"name":"ACADEMIC NEWS","slug":"academic-news","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":559,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":482,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":2,"category_count":482,"category_description":"","cat_name":"ACADEMIC NEWS","category_nicename":"academic-news","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":[{"term_id":54,"name":"Dr. Laverne Harmon","slug":"dr-laverne-harmon","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":611,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":19,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":14,"name":"Wilmington University","slug":"wilmington-university","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":571,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":389,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":15,"name":"WilmU","slug":"wilmu","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":572,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":323,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":70,"name":"wilmu-home","slug":"wilmu-home","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":627,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":1,"filter":"raw"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20832","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20832"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20832\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20834,"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20832\/revisions\/20834"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20833"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20832"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20832"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20832"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}