M. Wilma Harris, the only child of the late Gladys and William Harris, was born and raised in Paulsboro, New Jersey. For those who are curious and don’t already know, the M stands for Margaret, which was the first name of Wilma’s maternal grandmother. After completing grades K through 12 within the Paulsboro school system, Wilma attended Douglass College, graduating in 1966 with a B.A. in History. Significantly, Wilma was one of eight black students in her class, six of whom graduated. During her four years at Douglass, the total number of black students never exceeded 19. Wilma served in numerous leadership capacities, including class president and vice president of the Government Association, and received the Senior Service Award. Also, during her senior year, Wilma was appointed to serve on the University’s Bicentennial Committee and as the Douglass student representative to the Bishop-Lynton task force; the outcome of that task force was the creation of Livingston College in 1969.
After three years working for the State of New Jersey in Trenton, Wilma returned to Douglass and worked there for eight years, serving as Counselor-in Residence, Assistant Dean of Students and Associate Dean of Students. While in these positions, Wilma was always a positive role model for students, and epitomized what it meant to be a “Douglass Woman”. She was an especially powerful resource and advocate for black students, helping many to navigate the unchartered waters of a predominately white institution. In 1971, Wilma earned a Master’s degree in Governmental Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.
Wilma began a 36-year career with Prudential in 1977 and retired as Vice President, Human Resources in 2013. Twenty-eight years of her Prudential career were spent in human resources. The remaining years were spent in a myriad of positions including Manager of the Monmouth Field Claim Office, Director of Regional Operations and Assistant to the President of the Individual Insurance Division. She holds professional designations of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter, Chartered Life Underwriter and Senior Professional in Human Resources.
While forging a career at Prudential, Wilma pursued her passion for and commitment to serving the needs of students in higher education. Mirroring her professional success, Wilma’s exceptional leadership on the state’s financial assistance boards was evidenced by her tenure through successive reappointments by governors of both parties. She was first appointed in 1978 by Governor Brendan Byrne as a charter member of the Student Assistance Board, reappointed by Governors Kean, Florio, and again by Governor Christine Todd Whitman to the newly formed Higher Education Student Assistance Authority Board; Wilma led the Board as Vice-Chair from 1978-1987, 1999-2001, 2003-2004 and as Chair from 1987-1998 and 2001-2003.
As the lead volunteer for student financial aid in New Jersey, Wilma shaped policies providing access for qualified needy students to higher education. A vocal proponent of educational opportunity, she forged the way that has assisted over two million students with Tuition Aid Grants during her 32-year tenure on the Boards. In recognition of her commitment to advancing higher education opportunities and accessibility, Wilma was granted an Honorary Doctorate from St. Peter’s College.
Wilma has never abandoned her commitment to her alma mater. One of the founders of the Black Alumnae Network at Douglass, Wilma has also served on the Board of Directors of the Associate Alumnae of Douglass College (AADC) for 15 years, as well as on numerous AADC committees. She has been a member of the Board of Trustees of Rutgers University since 2010, serving as Vice-Chair during academic year 2014-2015. Wilma was inducted into the Douglass Society, the Loyal Sons and Daughters of Rutgers University, received the Rutgers Alumni Federation Meritorious Service Award and was named a New Jersey Woman of Achievement. She recently became a member of the Blacks on the Banks Ad Hoc Committee that was formed to address the needs of Rutgers’ black community on the New Brunswick campuses.
Wilma’s contributions extend beyond Douglass and Rutgers. She is a member of the Fountain Baptist Church of Summit and served as Trustee of READY (Rigorous Educational Assistance for Deserving Youth) Foundation. On an ad hoc basis, Wilma volunteers with the Light and Salt Campaign for Hope that partners with the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Now retired from Prudential, Wilma is as active as ever serving Douglass and Rutgers University and her community, advocating for black and other students of color, while staying connected to family, friends, alumnae and those whom she has met along her journey.