Gary Jermaine Harrington
- gary.harrington@famu.edu
- PHONE
- 407-254-3280
- OFFICE
- College of Law Administration
Guided by the principle his mother instilled in him—Nelson Mandela’s words, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”—Gary J. Harrington has dedicated his life to learning, serving, and leading. This guiding principle inspired him to pursue higher education with determination. By the time he earned his second master’s degree, Harrington set a new standard for his family, especially his children, demonstrating the transformative power of education. Over time, he came to embrace another profound truth, attributed to Harry Truman: “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” These philosophies form the cornerstone of his approach as an educational services professional.
Harrington brings 25 years of experience in education and organizational leadership to his role at Florida A&M University College of Law. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Florida Memorial University and a master’s in legal studies from Kaplan University. After completing a second master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of West Florida, Harrington sought to expand his impact, joining FAMU College of Law in 2016.
During his tenure, Harrington served as the Director of Student Affairs (Dean of Students), where he successfully established a strong presence and implemented policies aligned with the university’s mission and objectives, enhancing the overall student experience. Recognizing the opportunity to expand his contributions, Harrington transitioned to the Administrative and Business Services (Operations) team as Director. In this role, he continues to focus on operational excellence while supporting the institution and its stakeholders with his best efforts daily. He embraces the belief that “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.”
Harrington is also a State of Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator, Notary, and Title IX consultant. His commitment to ongoing training is a true reflection of his desire to continuously seek education that benefits the communities he serves—especially the Rattler community.
As an English major, Harrington cultivated a deep love for literature and academia. In 2011, he published his first fiction novel, affirming his belief that “a writer is someone who pays attention to the world, and if a story is in you, it must come out.” Writing remains a daily passion for Harrington, complementing his broader commitment to community service and setting a positive example for his children.
Harrington considers his greatest accomplishment the opportunity to assist the next generation of advocates and legal stewards in achieving their goals. Ultimately, his life’s work reflects his commitment to education, service, and leaving a lasting impact on those around him.