Bradford dean of academic affairs retiring

Steven E. Hardin, vice president and dean of academic affairs at Pitt­–Bradford, will retire at the end of this month, after 16 years at the University during which he oversaw the implementation of more than 20 new academic programs.

Steve HardinHardin came to Pitt–Bradford in 2004 from Spalding University in Louisville, Ky., where he had served a number of roles, including professor, chairman of the school of natural science and interim president.

Programs that he and former President Livingston Taylor helped get started included exercise science, accounting, environmental studies and eight education majors. Programs such as administration of justice and computer science were reconfigured as criminal justice and computer information systems and technology. Hardin oversaw the creation of the Crime Scene Investigation House and several labs modeled on its success for counseling psychology and nursing.

“During Steve’s 16 years at Pitt-Bradford, the university’s academic offerings nearly doubled, which has given our students a greater array of academic experiences,” said Catherine Koverola, Pitt–Bradford’s president. “We are grateful to Steve for all he has done for Pitt-Bradford and wish him well in his retirement.”

Hardin earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and zoology from the University of Louisville before obtaining master’s and doctoral degrees in biology and biochemistry from the University of Kansas. As a professor, Hardin specialized in genetics and gene expression.