GB Magazine October 2020 | Page 58

Leadership

President James T . Harris Charting a route to safety

A university ’ s president is like the captain of the ship , responsible for steering it in the right direction . And when the crew finds themselves in uncharted waters like the COVID-19 pandemic , the captain ( or university president in this case ), plays a crucial role in charting a route to safety . For the University of San Diego ( USD ), this responsibility is shouldered by President James T . Harris III , D . Ed . Over the last five years , Dr . Harris has focused his efforts on shaping a vision for the university as it approaches its 75th anniversary . Dr . Harris was a first-generation college student who has long held a passion for higher education . In fact , he credits his teachers as some of the most influential people in his life , viewing them as “ selfless servant-leaders who wanted to help young people reach their full potential .” Believing that there could be no higher calling , Dr . Harris dedicated his life to education . One specific individual he credits as an inspiration is theologian and civil rights leader Howard Thurman who used to tell his students to not ask the question , “ what does the world need ” but rather “ what makes you come alive ” - emphasizing the importance of passion behind one ’ s work . This passion is clear in Dr . Harris ’ leadership .

As COVID-19 continues to evolve the education landscape , Dr . Harris has been faced with a variety of new challenges . Despite these challenges , Dr . Harris and
58 GBSAN . COM | OCTOBER 2020