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River Forest, IL—Dominican University has named Dr. Mia Hardy as its new provost following a nationwide search. 

Hardy joins Dominican with more than 20 years of experience in higher education leadership. She brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to academic excellence, having held positions of dean, honors director, professor and department chair at both two- and four-year colleges and universities, as well as the role of interim vice president within City Colleges of Chicago. 

As provost, Hardy will oversee full- and part-time faculty members and academic affairs staff, playing a vital role in stewarding the strategic direction of Dominican’s academic programs and services. 

“Dr. Hardy’s background of student-centered leadership and addressing equity gaps in education makes her well-positioned to support our strategic priorities in strengthening student retention, expanding pathways for transfer students, and continuing to develop innovative credentials that advance the social mobility of our students,” said Dr. Glena G. Temple, president of Dominican University. “An experienced leader of HSIs and HBCUs, Mia understands the critical work we do every day to meet the needs of students historically marginalized by higher education. Her strong commitment to advocating for students and faculty directly aligns with both our mission and our long-term goals.”

Hardy is currently dean of liberal arts at Oakton College in Des Plaines, where she was involved in the creation of the college’s Research, Innovation and Creative Engagement Center. She has also led staffing, budget, vision and strategic planning for the Koehnline Museum of Art and the Oakton College Performing Arts Center. 

Prior to joining Oakton in 2023, Hardy spent seven years at Elgin Community College, serving as associate dean in the Division of College Transitions and Development Education where she provided faculty support and development and co-developed the Teaching, Learning, Inclusiveness, Diversity, and Equity group for faculty and administration. She also served as associate dean of Communications and Behavioral Sciences and chair of the Sociology Department. She led curriculum and student learning outcome development and created and directed the Center for Undergraduate Research, Innovation and Creativity.

At Olive Harvey College in Chicago, she served as interim vice president of Academic and Student Affairs, assisting the president with planning, organizing and directing operations and budgeting that supported the college’s goals. Hardy also held the role of dean of students at the college.

Leadership positions at other colleges and universities, notably Virginia Union University and Southern Wesleyan University, preceded her work at Olive Harvey. 

Hardy earned a PhD in Sociology from Georgia State University, a Master of Public Administration from Columbus State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Georgia. 

Dr. Sophia Hamilton Duffy, chair of Dominican’s Faculty Senate and co-chair of the Provost Search Committee, applauded the selection of Hardy as provost. 

“Dr. Hardy’s relationship-centered approach is precisely the lens we at Dominican University need in order to focus on the hard work ahead,” she said. “I am impressed by her experience working with diverse students who belong to marginalized and excluded identities, who are traditional and nontraditional, and who are seeking an education for social and economic mobility.  She is passionate about and experienced in innovation as evidenced by creative program development within the liberal arts, which is so important in reimagining and revitalizing a necessary and foundational liberal arts education.”

"I am honored to join an esteemed university with such an impactful presence in the community, as well as a renowned national and global reputation,” Hardy said. “I look forward to assuming this vital leadership role and collaborating with the faculty and staff to continue providing a world-class education to our students. Together, we will craft innovative solutions to addressing challenges related to the academic enterprise in an ever-changing society and world." 

Hardy will join Dominican in June as provost-elect. She will assume the role of provost on July 1. 

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Founded in 1901, Dominican University is a comprehensive, coeducational Catholic institution offering an Associate of Arts in liberal arts and sciences, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees through the Rosary College of Arts and Sciences, the Borra College of Health Sciences, the Brennan School of Business and the College of Applied Social Sciences. The university also offers doctoral degrees in information studies and applied social justice. U.S. News & World Report ranks Dominican University in the top 20 of Midwest regional master’s level universities, #1 in the Midwest for Best Value and #1 in Illinois for best undergraduate teaching and ensuring the social mobility of its graduates. A nationally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, Dominican University has campuses in River Forest and Chicago's Pilsen community.