The University System of New Hampshire's board of trustees named Todd Leach chancellor at its quarterly business meeting June 28, 2013. Leach has been serving as interim chancellor since March 2, when former Chancellor Ed MacKay retired.
“Having watched Dr. Leach serve as interim chancellor, the board became convinced he was the best choice to lead the University System of New Hampshire,” said Richard Galway, chair of USNH’s board of trustees. “Dr. Leach demonstrated an incredible vision and work ethic. He’s an innovator and will continue the great work being done for our state at the university system.”
Leach is the president of Granite State College, one of the four USNH institutions. He serves on the USNH board of trustees and as one of New Hampshire’s commissioners of higher education. He is also a member of the boards of the New Hampshire College and University Council and the New Hampshire Forum on the Future. He has presented at numerous national and international conferences on the subjects of distance learning and professional education.
“Todd Leach brings to the chancellorship a keen understanding of education in the 21st century, and the importance of a relevant education to a strong economy. As president of Granite State College, he has led it to stunning growth and national rankings. As interim chancellor of the entire university system, he has won respect from state leaders for his informed and personal approach on key issues facing USNH. We are fortunate that he will now continue that leadership as the full-time chancellor of this most important state asset,” said Fred Kocher, president of New Hampshire’s High Technology Council.
Under Leach’s leadership Granite State College has achieved the highest enrollment levels in its 40-year history and in 2013 celebrated its largest graduating class. He also pioneered the development of the college’s first-ever master’s level programming and created the Office of Graduate Studies. Most recently, U.S. News & World Report ranked Granite State College #27 in the nation for best online bachelor’s programs.
Leach holds a Ph.D. from Northeastern University and an MBA from Bentley University and has more than two decades of experience as an academic leader and faculty member. He earned an associate’s degree at Mass Bay Community College and a bachelor’s degree from Worcester State College. The institutions each honored him, in 2011 and 2012 respectively, with Distinguished Alumni Awards.
“The University System of New Hampshire must be an integral part of the solution to our emerging workforce challenges. I am honored to serve as chancellor during this significant time of change and look forward to working with the board, the presidents, policy makers, system staff, business leaders, and New Hampshire citizens to develop new partnerships amid the workforce and college access challenges we face,” Leach said.
For more information, visit www.usnh.edu/about/chanc.shtml
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