Hardin brings a lifelong commitment to excellence, innovation and ambition to the role as she guides Quinnipiac toward its centennial in 2029 — and beyond.

“Quinnipiac has always impressed me as a community that has the energy, imagination and adaptability to meet its promise to every learner who joins this great university,” Hardin said. “As a Texan, I can summarize that in one word: grit."

“It is a place that takes its commitment to students seriously and is fearless in meeting the challenges to its mission. I love that!” she said. “I also love the location and the orientation toward health and wellness that is built in here. This is a place where people can truly thrive.”

Hardin is eager to foster the same bold, collaborative relationships at Quinnipiac that have heralded her as a proven leader and a driver of success.

“I strongly believe if you want others to listen to you, listen to them first. If you want others to trust you, trust them first. Talent is everywhere at this great university,” Hardin said. “A big part of the president’s role is to find the talent, tap it and support it."

“I also believe that if you want to solve problems, talk to the people who are closest to those problems,” she said. “They have insight you don’t have. Everyone has a critical role in the health and growth of the institution.”

Hardin said she’s looking forward to learning more about Quinnipiac and its narrative of growth, courage and curiosity.

“I also believe in understanding the history of a place that shapes its people and vice versa,” Hardin said. “There is a Texasism: ‘Don’t go tearing down fences until you know what’s on the other side.’ That requires understanding the culture and getting to know the stories.”

One of Hardin’s top priorities as president is listening to Quinnipiac's proud community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, partners and friends.

“I have a lot of listening to do,” she said. “My first questions to the community: What makes us special? What are our immediate and long-term challenges. And, perhaps most importantly: What are the values that define the QU community? That unique combination of values is our core strength.”

Hardin is eager to build upon that core strength, together, with every member of Quinnipiac’s community. As president, she will lead that charge with vision, purpose, and, of course, grit.

Hardin comes to Quinnipiac after serving as dean of the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State. She succeeds Dr. Judy Olian, who served as Quinnipiac’s ninth president from 2018-2025.

Last month, Hardin was named the Scripps Howard Administrator of the Year by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. She served as president of the organization in 2019.