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UD President Harker makes last pitch to budget committee

Delaware Public Media

University of Delaware President Patrick Harker says innovation and fostering entrepreneurship in the First State will be critical for the future as he prepares to step down.

Harker sat before the Joint Bond Bill Wednesday asking for $7 million to complete renovations of Cannon Laboratory at their Lewes campus.

State lawmakers asked him what Delaware needs to compete domestically and abroad. He says as a research university, innovation across all disciplines is key.

“Because that’s what’s going to drive this economy," Harker said. "So our new programs like our biomedical engineering program or our new cyber-security programs, we need to keep up with this changing economy and get students ready for that and contribute our knowledge, our research to driving those new disciplines forward.”

Speaking with reporters after the hearings, Harker brushed off criticisms of his administration.

Some – including state lawmakers – note the wide disparity in diversity on campus, which he admits needs to be boosted. Harker notes that minority enrollment is up, but that more can be done to attract those communities.

“It’s a tough transition for some of these students and we recognize that. Bringing them on campus early so they can acclimate, learn the study skills and the other skills they need so that they can hit the ground running in September.”

He also shook off jabs regarding his popularity among the faculty, saying “that’s okay” if the educators aren't happy with him.

Harker officially steps into his new role at the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank in July.

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