
Dr. Harrington was appointed the 12th president of what was then Salem State College in 1990. She served as president for 17 years, paving the way for the school to transition to university status in 2010.
Before being named president of Salem State, Dr. Harrington served as dean of continuing education and special programs, dean of graduate and continuing education, associate vice president of academic affairs in graduate and continuing education, and acting vice president of academic affairs.
A native of Salem, Harrington enrolled at what was then Salem Teacher’s College in 1956. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the educational institution. She went on to earn a doctorate at Boston University.


