It is with a very heavy heart that we share our former Florida Humanities Chair of the Board Joseph D. Harbaugh, a distinguished legal educator and former Chief Public Defender of Connecticut, passed away at the age of 85 on October 11, 2024.
Joe was not only a leader in every sense of the word, but also a true champion of the humanities. His vision, dedication, and unwavering belief in the work we do has left an indelible mark on Florida Humanities and on all of us who had the privilege to work alongside him. Recognized as a leader in Clinical Legal Education, Joe worked as a law professor at seven universities, including serving as Dean of the University of Richmond School of Law (1987-1995) and Dean of Nova Southeastern University College of Law (1995-2008). He was also Professor Emeritus and Dean Emeritus at NSU.
Joe was elected to the Florida Humanities Board of Directors in 2013 and re-elected in 2016. In 2019, he was elected Chair of the Board. He retired from the board in October 2023. Steven Siebert served on the board from 2008-2016, and was the board chair when Joe joined. When Joe was elected board chair, Siebert had assumed the role of Florida Humanities’ executive director and recalled fondly the weekly phone conversations they shared. “Joe Harbaugh was a servant leader; a servant to the best of ideas, a servant to the noble practice of law, a servant to the organizations he so selflessly supported and a servant to others, always,” shared Seibert, who led Florida Humanities from 2016-2020. “He tackled serious issues, but never took himself too seriously. We all respected and relied on him. More truly, however, we all loved him.”
Joe’s service to our organization extended far beyond his time serving on the board. He continued to advocate passionately for the humanities, demonstrating an enduring commitment to our mission that remained strong until the very end. His contributions have strengthened our ability to reach diverse communities and have enhanced the cultural fabric of Florida in ways that will resonate for generations.
“Florida Humanities was so incredibly fortunate to have the leadership, guidance and support of our dear friend and leader,” said Maria V. Goldberg, current Florida Humanities board chair. “Through Joe’s efforts, he led the organization to new heights and great successes, prominently putting Florida Humanities as a leader within the humanities. A true champion for Florida Humanities and a dear friend, he will be greatly missed.”
As we reflect on Joe’s legacy, we are reminded of his belief in the power of the humanities to foster understanding, enrich lives, and bring people together. He was not only a leader, but also a mentor and friend to many of us, and his spirit will continue to guide us as we move forward in our work.
“Joe was the living embodiment of a gentleman and a scholar,” said Thomas B. Luzier, 2021-2023 Florida Humanities board chair. “A tenured educator, a shrewd negotiator, and an avid supporter of the humanities, he brought energy and passion to everything he touched. Florida Humanities was one of those lucky organizations to catch Joe’s eye, where his leadership and foresight helped us chart a course for new prosperity and engagement across a broad spectrum. We will miss Joe’s wry sense of humor and mischievous smile; he was a stalwart partner in the pursuit of our mission, and it was our good fortune to call him a friend and colleague.”
Please read Joe’s obituary for a full picture of his personal and professional accomplishments and details about his celebration of life. Also, we’d like to share an uncut interview with Joe from our 50th anniversary kickoff with staff and board members from July 2023. In the video shown below, he talks about the importance of the humanities and the relevancy of our work and mission across Florida.
On behalf of myself, Florida Humanities staff and Board of Directors, we extend our deepest condolences to Joe’s family. We honor his life, his legacy, and the profound impact he has had on Florida Humanities.
Nashid Madyun, Executive Director
