PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
(WTAQ-WLUK) — A man whose leadership spanned nearly 25 years at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay has died.
UWGB announced Thursday that Donald F. Harden, Ph.D., died March 28 in Naples, Florida, while on hospice. He was 89 years old.
Harden was a member of the university’s faculty and administration from 1970-1994, including serving as associate chancellor and athletic director. He retired holding the rank of full professor.
UWGB credits Harden with leading the university’s move to Division I, creating the Phoenix Fund and playing a vital role in the development of the Mid-Continent Conference. In 2019, Green Bay Athletics named Harden one of the Top 50 Most Influential Leaders. He was also inducted as a charter member of the Green Bay Phoenix Hall of Fame in 1993.
In a statement, Director of Athletics Josh Moon extended his sympathies to Harden’s family and praised his many contributions to UW-Green Bay.
Don was one of the key drivers in moving Phoenix Athletics to Division I – this was not an easy task and his vision, dedication and belief in this institution is something that we will always be grateful for. His legacy at UWGB will long be remembered.
Harden was involved in a private partnership that built modern residence halls, one of which was named after him — Donald F. Harden Hall — in 1998. Additionally, he assisted in the growth of the Founders Association, which supports student scholarships and academics, and guided UW-Green Bay’s first capital campaign.
Harden was also on the Board of Directors for the Green Bay Packers, beginning in 1984. He achieved Emeritus Status in July 2005.
To read his full obituary, click here.
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