Merle W. Harris

Dr. Merle W. Harris brings 45 years of educational experience to the Ashford Board of Trustees. She has served in a variety of roles at institutions of higher education, high schools, grade schools and the Connecticut Department of Higher Education. Most recently, she served as Professor of Undergraduate and Graduate Programs in Public Policy and Higher Education Policy, Law and Foundations at Charter Oak State College and the University of Hartford in Connecticut. Dr. Harris also works as a consultant in planning, policy development and accreditation in education and higher education. From 1989 to 2008, Dr. Merle served as Executive Director of the Board for State Academic Awards and President of Charter Oak State College. She also served as Interim President of Central Connecticut State University in 1995-96 and as Deputy Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Higher Education and as Associate Commissioner of the Division of Research Planning for the Connecticut Department of Higher Education. Dr. Harris currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Regents for Higher Education and Chairs its Academic and Student Affairs Committee. She has served on a number of other not for profit Boards. She earned her EdD in Education Policy, Research and Administration from the University of Massachusetts, and her MS in Guidance and Counseling and BS in Education from Central Connecticut State College.