- Staff Queensbury
Jeannie Brown Leonard
- Director of Assessment and Learning Resources
- Member of the Diversity, Compliance and HRD committees
"Higher education leads to a fulfilling life. My job supports faculty in delivering on our promise for rich learning and growth. I help document student learning and adapt services to respond to gaps so students can make progress toward their goals."
Biography
Jeannie Brown Leonard has worked in higher education for more than 35 years in diverse institutional contexts. Her roles have included admissions, career development, academic advising, teaching, and retention and student success. Most recently, she was vice provost for student success at Kansas State University with a portfolio that included academic support (tutoring, coaching, TRIO programs), academic transition (first-year experience programs, first-generation student success), academic advising and academic enrichment (undergraduate research, women in STEM). Jeannie brings a passion for creating equitable student learning outcomes using data-informed practices. Her research interests include the transfer student experience, interdisciplinary learning, and an evaluation of efforts to close equity gaps. Jeannie uses a talent development lens in her work with students, faculty and staff.
Education
Ph.D. in Higher Education, University of Maryland, 2007, elected to Phi Kappa Phi;
M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs, University of Vermont, 1990;
Bachelor of Arts in psychology, Mount Holyoke College, 1985, elected to Phi Beta Kappa
Hobbies and interests
Jeannie moved to the Adirondacks with her spouse and rescue dog, Cameo, in spring 2024. Her new home is near Silver Bay YMCA, where she and her husband met. She enjoys spending time with friends, extended family and exploring nature. Hiking, biking, snowshoeing, kayaking, dancing, baking, traveling, reading and going to the theater are among her favorite activities. Her two adult children are among her favorite people.