The fourth president of the University of San Diego in the school's modern era will take the helm Monday and be welcomed with an ice cream social.
James Harris, who led Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania, for 13 years, succeeds Mary Lyons, who retired after a dozen years as USD president.
"Through his words and actions, Dr. Harris's distinguished career in academic leadership has reflected the same values that our students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and board members cherish at the University of San Diego," said Ron Fowler, the chairman of the USD Board of Trustees.
To introduce Harris, his wife, Mary, and son, Brendan, to their new home and Toreros community, the university at 1 p.m. will host an ice cream social open to the campus community. The event will take place at USD's Colachis Plaza.
Author Hughes and Alice Hayes have also served as university presidents since the 1972 merger of the San Diego College for Women and the University of San Diego College for Men and School of Law.
