Luann Harden is new director of WMU-SouthwestJan. 7, 2011 BENTON HARBOR, Mich.--Luann M. Harden has been named to head WMU-Southwest, Western Michigan University's regional site headquartered at 2785 E. Napier Ave. in Benton Harbor. Harden was serving as a coordinator of marketing and communications in Extended University Programs, which is responsible for the seven regional sites WMU operates in Michigan. Harden assumed her new post effective Jan. 3. She replaces Jeorge E. Fierro, who became EUP director of outreach and special programs this past November. A WMU staff member for the past six years, Harden is no stranger to southwest Michigan or EUP. She began her WMU career as an office associate for the South Haven regional site, then moved to WMU-Southwest in 2006 to lead that site's recruitment and marketing efforts as student services coordinator. She joined EUP's main office in Kalamazoo two years later when she accepted her previous position. In that job, Harden coordinated marketing activities and assisted with strategic marketing planning for all of the University's regional locations as well as its Online Education office. Harden's background includes co-founding and serving as vice president of Shore Line Industries Inc. in Benton Harbor and serving as human resource manager at Airboss Inc. in South Haven. Shore Line Industries, a first-tier automotive supplier, was named one of Michigan's 100 fastest-growing private companies two years in a row during her tenure. Prior to joining WMU's staff, Harden was the owner and manager of Harden Studio and Gallery from 1999 to 2004. She is pursuing a doctoral degree at WMU in educational leadership with a higher education concentration and an enrollment management focus. Harden holds a bachelor's degree in art and a master's in educational leadership, both from WMU. For more information, contact Amy Routhier at amy.routhier@wmich.edu or (269) 387-1552. Media contact: Amy Routhier, (269) 387-1552, amy.routhier@wmich.edu WMU News |