Office Hours with John Gardner
We are searching for big ideas that inspire hope and action in higher education around institutional transformation and innovation to advance student success outcomes. Joining John Gardner are higher education leaders and other relevant persons of interest who will discuss innovation and strategies that improve higher education.
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Office Hours with John Gardner
Episode 167- Leadership and Legacy in Education with Duncan Harris
Dr. G. Duncan Harris has had an illustrious 30-year career in higher education, most recently serving as the CEO of the Capital Campus of Connecticut State Community College (formerly Capital Community College) in Hartford, CT, from 2018 to 2025 where he was responsible for the strategic direction and daily operations of the campus. The Capital campus hosts CT State’s largest nursing program, a number of innovative higher education partnerships with companies like Accenture, Travelers, and Pursuit Aerospace, and is known for its success in providing access to careers that disrupt cycles of poverty and equity gaps for its students, 70% of whom are Black and Hispanic. Dr. Harris is recognized as an expert in student success and retention, community college collaboration with non-profit and corporate entities, and takes pride in his role as a mentor/coach to many community college professionals. Prior to his tenure at CT State Capital, he served in a number of roles including – chief academic officer, chief student affairs officer, counselor, coordinator of advising and was the founding executive director of the CSCU Kresge Student Success Center. Prior to his work in higher education, he had a career in banking and finance.
He has served on a number of boards during his tenure including the New England Board of Higher Education, the American Association of Community Colleges Economic Development and Workforce Commission, the National Council on Black American Affairs, Windsor Federal Bank, and the Wadsworth Athenaeum. He has received many awards for his contributions to the community, including the CT African American Affairs Man of the Year and the NAACP 100 Most Influential Blacks in CT Award.
He holds a Doctorate of Education from Nova Southeastern University, a Master of Science degree in counseling from Central CT State University, a Bachelor of Arts in economics from UConn, and a certificate in Management and Leadership from Harvard University. He is an proud, active, lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He resides in Windsor with his lovely wife of 24 years, Garcia, and two children, Grant, a junior, and Grayson, a freshman, both attending Hampton University.
