Following a national search involving 117 candidates, Hartley was selected as the university's twelfth president, assuming office in December 1990.
As president, Hartley faced declining state support for the university's operating budget, which necessitated painful layoffs and tuition increases.
"[1] Recognizing the dilapidated state of the university's physical plant, Hartley campaigned hard for the passage of Public Act 95-230, commonly known as UConn 2000.
UConn 2000 enabled the construction of new chemistry and pharmacy buildings, new residence halls, and major renovations to the Homer Babbidge Library, among other improvements.
[9] During his presidency, Hartley made a point of attending home games and strengthening athletics, considering sports to be what Jim Calhoun referred to as the university's "front porch.
[6] Publicly upbeat but "privately grown weary of the grinding fiscal crisis that dogged UConn throughout his presidency," Hartley submitted his resignation in mid-February 1996.
[10] A day earlier, Governor Rowland had proposed slashing another ninety university jobs, on top of an overall 10% reduction in force since 1990.
[7] The New York Times characterized Hartley as "one of the most beloved presidents in recent history" and a "pump-your-hand kind of guy," notorious for wearing a UConntracksuit around campus.
[10] Although encumbered by persistent budget crises and an activist board, Hartley was generally acknowledged as a successful albeit cautious president.