Thomas K. Harden - Biography
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Dr. Thomas K. Harden began his tenure as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay on June 1, 2009.
Harden had served previously as president of Clayton State University, a metropolitan institution of about 6,000 students located outside Atlanta. During his tenure, from 2000 through 2009, enrollment increased by 39 percent and the university was ranked No. 1 in the South for campus diversity by U.S. News & World Report six out of seven years.
Additionally, Clayton State more than doubled its undergraduate offerings and began its mission as a master’s degree-granting university under Harden's leadership. He instituted a comprehensive strategic planning process, refined the colleges structure and won praise for his support of the performing arts in Clayton County. The institution made significant facilities gains, as well, including its first on-campus housing, a Student Activities Center, a new building for the School of Business and the signature campus building, the James M. Baker University Center.
UW System President Kevin Reilly, in announcing the selection of Harden last December following a nationwide search and screen process, said the following:
“His demonstrated commitment to increasing retention and graduation rates, expanding campus diversity, and building stronger connections with the larger community support and fortify our ongoing commitment to excellence. Dr. Harden also brings a strong understanding of the role our UW institutions play as engines of growth for Wisconsin, and how we must work together to maximize that potential.”
Harden’s previous administrative and academic experience includes service from 1993 to 2000 as dean of the College of Technology at Eastern Michigan University, where he led development of what would become EMU’s third doctoral program, the Ph.D. in Technology. From 1985 through 1993 he was chairman of the Department of Technology at Northern Kentucky University. During that time he was called upon to provide interim leadership as acting dean of University College, which was Northern’s community outreach and professional development division, and to serve as associate dean of the College of Professional Studies.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in industrial education from Miami University. He earned his Master of Science from the University of Dayton and Doctor of Education from the University of Cincinnati.
Harden is UW-Green Bay’s fifth chancellor. He succeeded Bruce Shepard, who left in 2008 to accept the presidency of Western Washington University in Bellingham, Wash.
UW-Green Bay, a growing comprehensive regional university, has an enrollment of nearly 6,200 undergraduate students and employs about 575 people. The UW-Green Bay chancellor is responsible for managing an annual operating budget of $83 million.