Donald West Harward

Donald West Harward. An American philosopher and academic administrator, he served as the sixth president of Bates College from 1989 to 2002, a period marked by significant institutional growth and a deepened commitment to liberal arts education. A scholar of ethics and political philosophy, his leadership was defined by an emphasis on civic engagement, the Common Good, and the integration of academic rigor with purposeful action. His tenure left a lasting imprint on the college's campus, academic programs, and national profile.

Early life and education

Born in Portland, Maine, he was the son of Ruth (West) Harward and Merrill Harward. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then earned both a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy in philosophy from the University of Chicago, where he studied under influential thinkers and solidified his academic focus. His doctoral dissertation explored themes in moral philosophy, laying the groundwork for his future scholarly and administrative work.

Academic career

Before his presidency, he built a distinguished career as a professor and administrator. He served on the faculty of the University of Delaware for over two decades, teaching in the Department of Philosophy and holding several key administrative posts. His roles included director of the University Honors Program and vice president for academic affairs, where he gained extensive experience in curriculum development and institutional planning. His scholarship, often centered on applied ethics and social justice, informed his practical approach to educational leadership.

Presidency of Bates College

Appointed in 1989, his presidency at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine was transformative. He oversaw a major capital campaign, "The Campaign for Bates," which raised over $120 million, funding new facilities like the George and Helen Ladd Library, the Pettengill Hall science building, and the Merrill Gymnasium expansion. He strengthened the college's financial aid programs to enhance socioeconomic diversity and supported the development of flagship programs such as the Harward Center for Community Partnerships, which institutionalized the connection between Bates College and the City of Lewiston. His era also saw the reaffirmation of the college's longstanding commitment to need-blind admission.

Philosophy and educational leadership

His educational philosophy was articulated through numerous speeches and essays, arguing that a liberal arts education must cultivate not only intellectual skills but also moral and civic responsibility. He was a prominent advocate for service-learning and argued that colleges should be "agents of the common good." This vision influenced national conversations through his involvement with organizations like the American Council on Education and the Association of American Colleges and Universities. He frequently engaged with the ideas of philosophers like John Dewey and Alasdair MacIntyre, applying them to contemporary higher education challenges.

Later life and legacy

After retiring from the presidency in 2002, he remained active in educational and civic circles, serving on boards for institutions like the Maine Community Foundation and continuing to write and speak on ethical leadership. He lived in Brunswick, Maine until his death in 2022. His legacy at Bates College is enduring, evident in the physical campus, the thriving Harward Center, and a sustained institutional ethos linking academic excellence with community engagement. The Donald W. Harward Fellowships support faculty projects in service-learning, ensuring his philosophical commitments continue to shape the college's mission.

Category:1937 births Category:2022 deaths Category:American philosophers Category:Presidents of Bates College Category:Colby College alumni Category:University of Chicago alumni Category:People from Portland, Maine Category:20th-century American philosophers