Flack, Harley

Biography

The inauguration of Harley E. Flack (1943-1998) as Wright State's fourth president took place on October 7, 1994, when he became the first African American president of a major metropolitan university in Ohio.

During his tenure, Flack stressed collaboration and community building, both within and outside the university's walls. As a direct result of his leadership, he forged a proactive relationship between Wright State and Dayton Public Schools to improve educational opportunities for all children. In addition, the state of Ohio included a line item for funding educational services to support students with disabilities.

Other university milestones reached during his tenure were the re-accreditation of the university's programs by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools following a two-year self study; approval by the Ohio Board of Regents of Wright State's Ph.D. in engineering program; the establishment of a faculty senate; and the establishment of Wright State as the leader in the Information Technology Research Institute, an academic/industrial research and development collaborative with the Ohio Board of Regents, the Miami Valley Economic Development Coalition, and Wright State.

Dr. Flack came to Wright State from Rowan College of New Jersey, where he was provost and executive vice president. President Flack passed away on March 29, 1998.