Edward F. Leonard III, Ph.D.

Edward F. Leonard III began as Bethany’s 13th president on August 1, 2007. He came to Bethany from Wilmington College in Wilmington, Ohio, where he served as vice president of college advancement for nine years. In addition to his past experiences in higher education and the corporate world, Dr. Leonard has taught business ethics, management and marketing classes as an adjunct professor at a number of colleges.

Dr. Leonard is active in his profession and community, currently serving as chair of the Council of College & University Presidents of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, chair of the board of directors for the Associated Colleges of Central Kansas, vice chair of the Kansas Independent College Association, vice chair of the Kansas Independent College Financing Authority and member of the board of directors for the Swedish Council of America. In the community, Dr. Leonard serves as vice chair of the board of directors for the International Chess Institute of the Midwest, member on the board of directors and executive committee for the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery Foundation, member of the City of Lindsborg’s Sister City Committee and as a volunteer with Lindsborg’s Cub Scout Pack and Wavemakers swim team. Dr. Leonard is also a member of the William Jewell College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Dr. Leonard holds a B.A. in philosophy from William Jewell College, an M.B.A. from St. Louis University and a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Dr. Leonard and his wife, Sheila, have two sons, Quade and Thomas, and two dogs, Buck and Sandy.

For more information, download the president’s Vita.