WilmU appoints first Black woman president

This is pretty huge. For the first time in the history of Wilmington University’s presidency, there will be a Black woman in charge.
With current president Dr. Jack Varsalona retiring on June 30, 2017, the university board announced the approval of his successor this week. In a historic appointment, Dr. LaVerne Harmon will be the first African-American woman to hold the post.
“Dr. Varsalona has steered our University’s exponential growth, and all of us are indebted to him for his incredible leadership,” Harmon said in a statement. “He has always been a role model for me, a source of support, and a true friend. I’m humbled by the opportunity to follow in his footsteps, and regardless of what I may accomplish in the years ahead, I will always honor his legacy.”
Harmon has been the executive vice president at Wilmington University since 2014. She also serves on the board of United Way Delaware in addition to being a member of the International Women’s Forum. Harmon is a recipient of the American Council on Education Leadership Award. She’s started working at WilmU in 1989 while earning her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the school.