Ann Weaver Hart is the 21st, first female chief executive and former president of the University of Arizona. She is the first woman to hold the position, which she assumed on November 30, 2012. Previously, Hart was the ninth president and first female chief executive of Temple University in Philadelphia, a position she held beginning on July 1, 2006.
In February 2016, DeVry Education Group announced that it had appointed President Hart and Linda P.B. Katehi, chancellor of the University of California, Davis, to serve on its board of directors. One month earlier, the Federal Trade Commission had filed a lawsuit against DeVry for deceptive advertising. Following criticism over her decision to join DeVry's board, Chancellor Katehi resigned from the board. President Hart continues to serve on DeVry's board of directors. Amid student protests, Hart announced on June 10, 2016 that she will not seek to extend to her employment contract with the University of Arizona past its June 30, 2018 end date.
She has been recognized for her achievements and service by many organizations, including the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation, the University Council for Educational Administration, and the Utah Women’s Forum, and has been honored as a Distinguished Alumna of the College of Humanities of the University of Utah.
Ann Weaver Hart served as President at the University of New Hampshire from 2002-2006.
Temple University
Early in Weaver Hart's first year as Temple University president she announced that after consultation with the board, a vacation period between the Christmas and New Year holidays would be re-offered. It had been rescinded during the Adamany administration. Weaver Hart also began a holiday party tradition during her first year. Hart is also known for the way in which she left Temple. Hart cited her need to assist her ill mother in Utah when describing her decision to resign. Within five months of the announcement of her resignation, Hart was announced among the finalists for the presidency of the University of Arizona. This announcement, not one known to the Temple community, elicited surprise from many.
Personal life
Hart's husband is Randy. They have four daughters, two granddaughters, and four grandsons. As a grandmother, she is known to sprinkle her introductions and speeches with mention of her young grandchildren.
Selected publications
The Principalship: A Theory of Professional Learning and Practice with Paul V. Bredeson
Designing and Conducting Research with Clifford J. Drew and Michael L. Hardman
