Faculty leaders

Grace E. Harris, Ph.D., is a distinguished professor in the Center for Public Policy at Virginia Commonwealth University and provides direction and oversight for the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute. Dr. Harris retired in June 1999 from the position of provost and vice president for academic affairs at VCU. Prior to becoming provost in January 1993, Dr. Harris held the position of vice provost for continuing studies and public service. On two occasions, in 1995 and 1998, she served as acting president of the university. Dr. Harris joined the university in 1967, and held a variety of faculty and administrative posts in the School of Social Work, including dean from 1982-90. She had formerly been employed as a social worker and supervisor in the Hampton, Va., Department of Social Services and the Virginia Department of Social Services. The Institute was established by the board of visitors of VCU at the time of Dr. Harris’ retirement in honor of her 32 years of exemplary service to the university.

Dr. Harris received her bachelor of science degree in sociology from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), graduating with highest honors. She attended Boston University in 1954-1955 and received her M.S.W. degree from Richmond Professional Institute of the College of William and Mary in 1960. She received M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in sociology from the University of Virginia in 1974 and 1975, respectively.

Dr. Harris is extremely active in community organizations in the Richmond area and has served on numerous boards, task forces and committees. Current memberships include the board of trustees of the University of Richmond, the board of the Virginia Health Care Foundation, member of Governor Warner’s Higher Education Commission, and the advisory boards of the VCU School of Dentistry and Commonwealth Educational Policy Institute of Virginia Commonwealth University. She recently served as vice-chair of Governor Mark Warner’s transition team, Put Virginia First.