University of San Diego President Resigned
The departure triggers a leadership search that will impact the long-term strategic direction of the institution.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People
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University of San Diego President James T. Harris III announced his resignation after serving in the role for 12 years. He plans to step down in 2027 to return to teaching and writing following a sabbatical.
Why it matters
The transition marks a pivotal leadership shift for the institution, which has operated since its 1949 founding. The selection of a successor will define the university's future academic and operational priorities.
James T. Harris III served as the fourth president for 12 years, concluding an education career spanning 45 years. The search for a new leader to guide the 1949-founded university is set to begin following the formal resignation announcement.
The players
James T. Harris III
The fourth president of the University of San Diego with a 45-year career in education.
Board of Trustees
The governing body responsible for institutional oversight and the selection of the university's executive leadership.
The details
The Board of Trustees, informed of the decision during a weekend retreat, is tasked with managing the leadership transition. The university plans to initiate a nationwide search for the next president and will release formal search plans in the coming weeks and months. Following his departure in 2027, Harris will transition to a faculty role.
Timeline
The university was founded in 1949.
Harris informed the Board of Trustees of his resignation plans last weekend.
Harris is expected to step down as president in 2027.
Market Landscape
This transition follows the precedent set by the 2023 University of San Diego strategic plan implementation. The incoming leadership will be responsible for navigating the current competitive landscape in private higher education.
Operators in the education and local service sectors should monitor the university's search process as it signals forthcoming shifts in institutional spending and community partnerships. Watch for the forthcoming board search plans to identify the new direction of local campus development.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions at large institutions often precede significant shifts in procurement and administrative policy. Monitor the Board of Trustees search announcements for updates on the institution's long-term capital or expansion priorities.
What happens next
The Board of Trustees is expected to release the timeline and process for the nationwide search for a successor in the coming weeks and months.
Further reading
For more on shifts in local organizational leadership, see People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSWB 5/69.
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