Transformational Higher Ed Leader | Co-Founder of DSU Connect | Champion for Alumni Engagement, Philanthropy & Student Success
Meet Ursula Harvey
An alumni engagement leader, philanthropic strategist, and Co-Founder of DSU Connect, a mentorship platform linking Delaware State University students with alumni. With a career spanning corporate leadership and higher education, Ursula empowers communities through purpose, connection, and legacy. Her mission is clear: to uplift the next generation by turning service into sustainable impact.
A Head Start on Excellence
From the outset, Ursula Harvey’s story defied convention. At just sixteen, while many of her peers were navigating the halls of high school, she had already stepped foot on a college campus, pursuing a degree in Finance. This early start wasn’t just academic, it was an indicator of her innate drive, her refusal to wait for permission, and her ability to take on challenges far beyond her years.
Her education prepared her for the high-stakes world of finance, and Ursula quickly rose through the ranks in New York City’s competitive investment banking sector. For over fifteen years, she worked with global financial firms, building a reputation for excellence in strategic planning, project management, and corporate operations. Her colleagues came to rely on her ability to keep high-level executive teams aligned and focused. But beneath the suits and skyscrapers, a quieter calling had always been present, the urge to lead with purpose, not just performance.
“I always knew I wanted to do more than climb the ladder,” Ursula reflects. “I wanted to lift others while I was climbing.”
Reclaiming Purpose at Midlife
At the age of 45, when many professionals settle into what they know, Ursula chose transformation. She returned to school to pursue a degree in Psychology, embracing a new direction grounded in empathy, mentorship, and human development. It was a bold pivot and one that marked the beginning of a new chapter centered on impact over income.
Her academic shift laid the foundation for her next calling: higher education. Rather than retire from a successful corporate career, Ursula decided to give back to her alma mater, Delaware State University (DSU), a place that had helped shape her formative years. She didn’t just return as an observer; she returned as a builder.
First, she served as Vice President of the Greater New Jersey Alumni Chapter, spearheading efforts to reconnect alumni with students in meaningful ways. Then, she co-founded DSU Connect, a pioneering mentorship initiative designed to bridge generations of Hornets, pairing seasoned graduates with students in search of guidance, networking, and inspiration.
Her philosophy was simple but revolutionary:
“We don’t rise alone. We rise together, when the bridge is strong, and the connection is real.”
Leading Through Service
In 2023, Ursula stepped into the role of Executive Director of Alumni Relations at Delaware State University, where she currently leads a dedicated team in building lifelong relationships between alumni and the institution. Her leadership goes beyond hosting events or making calls, She creates community.
From revitalizing alumni weekend traditions to organizing mentorship mixers, toy drives, and scholarship fundraisers, Ursula has turned engagement into a living, breathing mission. Her energy is infectious, her presence unmistakable, often seen at student gatherings, posting with pride on LinkedIn, or thanking volunteers with heartfelt captions like:
“Thank you to ALL of the DSC Legends! Your friendship is priceless!”
Her genuine love for people is evident in every initiative she leads. Through DSU Connect and her university role, Ursula has fostered an environment where students feel seen, alumni feel valued, and the campus community thrives on unity.
Beyond her administrative responsibilities, Ursula acts as a mentor, role model, and walking proof that reinvention is possible and powerful.
A Digital Trail of Impact
Scroll through Ursula Harvey’s social media, and you’ll find more than updates, you’ll find joy, solidarity, and service. Whether she’s celebrating Juneteenth with empowering messages, honoring veterans, or uplifting other Black women leaders in higher education and public service, her voice is authentic, inclusive, and always affirming.
She celebrates student-athletes. She promotes scholarship balls. She encourages alumni to give back, not just financially, but emotionally and intellectually. Every post, every comment, every shoutout serves a purpose: to connect, uplift, and inspire.
She’s not just present online. She’s present in spirit, a digital extension of the physical spaces she occupies with warmth and determination.
A Legacy Built at Home and Beyond
Ursula is not only a trailblazer professionally; she’s also a mother of three grown, college-educated children, a personal milestone that reflects her commitment to education, legacy, and generational progress. Her children are a living reflection of her values: persistence, integrity, and resilience.
While others might view balancing motherhood and leadership as a challenge, Ursula considers it her greatest privilege.
“They were watching even when I didn’t know they were,” she says. “So I made sure I was someone they could look up to.”
Her family is her “why.” Her career is her “how.”
A Legend Among Her Own
Ursula’s work has not gone unnoticed. She was recently honored with the DSU Legends Award, a prestigious recognition bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the university through leadership and service. For her, the award is more than a trophy, it’s a symbol of trust, legacy, and the impact she hopes to continue long into the future.
In her words: “This is not a finish line. It’s a reminder to keep building.”
Redefining Leadership in Higher Education
Ursula is currently pursuing her Master of Education and preparing for a doctorate in Higher Education, with a clear goal in mind: to become a Dean of Students or Provost. It’s a natural progression for someone who has spent a lifetime listening, leading, and lifting others toward their potential.
Her vision for the future of education is bold: more mentorship, more equity, more real-world readiness. She believes universities must be spaces of transformation, not just for students, but for the institutions themselves.
“Our young people are motivated and innovative. I enjoy seeing them grow and soar.”
She doesn’t just want to witness this growth , she wants to architect the systems that make it possible.
Editorial Note
Ursula Harvey’s story is a powerful reminder that legacy is built not only through career success, but through service, courage, and connection. Her journey speaks to anyone ready to reinvent, give back, and lead with intention. In bridging generations and building platforms for others to rise, Ursula is not just honoring the past, she’s shaping the future. At Executives Diary Magazine, we are proud to feature leaders like Ursula, visionaries who don’t just talk about change but actively build it. If you are an executive with a story of resilience and impact, we invite you to share your journey. Let your leadership be the spark that inspires transformation in others.
