The Alumni Magazine for Worcester Polytechnic Institute. (WPI)
Issue link: http://wpialumnimag.epubxp.com/i/277771
Spring 2014 17 HE EXTENSIVE SEARCH FOR WPI'S NEW PRESIDENT has come to a notable conclusion with the announcement that Laurie Leshin, PhD, will become WPI's 16th president on July 1. Guided by recommendations of the WPI community, and the ser vice of two committees appointed to evaluate the large pool of outstanding candidates, the Board of Trustees unanimously elected Laurie to lead the university. Through the diligent work of the community, plus the search and advisory com- mittees, the qualities of the university's next president were clearly identifed. With a goal of selecting a leader who would possess superior academic credentials, extensive administrative leadership experience, and superb communication skills, the commit- tee came to the decision that she would be the ideal candidate to bring vision and energy to the WPI community. Impressive by any measure, Laurie brings exceptional academic credentials from some of our nation's leading universities, as well as tremendous experience and ex- pertise from her time spent in leadership positions at NASA. She is an academic who understands the role of—and the potential for—academia in the larger world, and is well positioned to take WPI to an even higher level of excellence and prominence. Over the past 20 years the geochemist and space scientist has established herself as a leader in academia and the public sector. She has cultivated an impressive career at NASA, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Arizona State University, and the University of California, Los Angeles. In 2004 she received the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, and in 2011 she was honored with NASA's Outstanding Leadership Medal. She is a recipient of the Me- teoritical Society's Nier Prize for her research. She has served on the Board of Directors of Women in Aerospace and the Council of the American Geophysical Union. The International Astronomical Union recognized her contributions to planetary science by naming an asteroid "4922 Leshin." Phil Ryan, who stepped away from his duties as Board chair to serve his alma mater as interim president, will continue his role until Laurie's arrival. Excitement is growing across campus. You'll be hearing directly from our president-elect in our next issue. Welcome, Laurie Leshin WPI_spring14_NewPrez.indd 17 3/9/14 12:02 PM