President Harris: taking a look at a newer version of usd

Harris highlights how the University has evolved over the stretch of the pandemic

Yana Kouretas / Feature Editor / The USD Vista

Coming to college brings out natural concerns from any student. Yet, these worries stray from typical when they are exacerbated by the unpredictable conditions that college students are faced with during a pandemic. As the future of higher education finally turns a corner towards normalcy, President James T. Harris III, D.Ed., utilized this transition as an opportunity to reflect on the changes that the university already made and will make going into the school year.

Choosing to highlight the positive implications over the last year, Harris stressed the value of bringing back some of USD’s high impact practices, namely the Living Learning Communities (LLC), studying abroad, and undergraduate resources. According to  Harris, these activities were a primary motivator in bringing back in-person formats, as they are best carried out in this way. Most importantly, these practices inspire new students to forge connections with faculty members and peers. In addition to high-impact practices, Harris also outlined some new and renovated extensions of USD that now open their doors to new and returning students. 

“The mission and ministry center is able to be put to full use now. The learning commons is also a new building, and most importantly, Copley library was restructured and is more functional now,” Harris said. 

“Camino, Founders, and Sacred Heart Hall are now open for student living as well.”

Besides physical changes made to the campus, USD also embraces three new administrative members of the senior leadership team. These individuals are the new Vice President for Student Affairs, Charlotte Johnson, JD, Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Regina Dixon-Reeves, Ph.D., and Michael Lovette-Colyer, Ph.D., in Mission Integration. These individuals were  instated into their roles during an opportune time that puts them directly into burgeoning change and growth on campus, an area where they can make a difference. On another note, Harris looks to spark conversation amongst students by raising the idea that “we have the opportunity to start anew.” 

Another fundamental goal for Harris and the administration, as we start to come out of the pandemic, is to help facilitate positive interactions that will  build upon the inclusive culture that already exists at USD. The intention towards increased inclusivity also goes hand in hand with USD’s Horizon project; a plan that spotlights the importance of practicing inclusion and honoring diversity on campus, among other core values. As the student community reemerges onto campus, Harris and the administration urge us to make deliberate efforts to fulfill this vision.

“The change that we are heading towards with the Horizon project will put us at the forefront of Catholic institutions,” Harris said. “I want our students to be exposed to and have  opportunities to experience different cultures and people with different backgrounds. This will make our first-year students better prepared for when they meet this campus.”

Though various new developments will be showcased as the University reopens, one can also take comfort in knowing that USD will continue to return to its community roots. Harris, among many others, echoed the undeniable joy that student presence on campus brings. 

“I felt that there was a lack of joy in my job and my life, as it was missing the students. That daily contact that our campus is known for is what makes USD special,” Harris said.

As Harris recalled, it is hard to imagine USD without its infectious spirit and timeless community values. 

However, the welcome of new changes may be what first-year and returning students need to engage with one another and enhance the sense of community.