SAN DIEGO — The University of San Diego is going to need a new president.
Dr. James T. Harris III, who has served for more than 11 years in that role, has announced his intention to step down as president and, after a sabbatical, dedicate the “next chapter” of his life to teaching and writing as a USD faculty member.
In a Sept. 29 message to the university community, Harris described leading the university as “one of the great privileges of my life.”
But, he said, “After much reflection on our journey and future, I have decided the time has come for me to complete my tenure as president of USD in 2027.” He has assured the USD Board of Trustees that he will remain in office through the completion of their presidential search process.
Harris is USD’s fourth president since the 1972 merger of the San Diego College for Women and the University of San Diego College for Men and School of Law.
Prior to his selection as USD president, Harris had served as president of Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania, since 2002.
Bishop Michael Pham reflected on his collaborations with Harris since being installed as bishop of San Diego last year.
“I am so grateful to have President Harris to be a part of my journey in my episcopal ministry,” he said. “Even though I haven’t collaborated with the president for a long period, I am so happy that I got to know him as a person and as a partner in ministry to proclaim the glory of God. I wish him the best in his next chapter of his life.”
