By ANNE HASSLER, Sentinel Staff Writer
Published: Saturday, August 4, 2007 10:16 AM CDT

Courtesy: McPherson Sentinel's Sentinet

LINDSBORG -- New Bethany College president Edward Leonard III knows the importance of planning and thinking things through.

Take, for example, his son's nickname -- Quade. His full name is Edward Leonard IV. Dad liked the tradition, but mom wanted him to have a unique name, something different than Ed or Eddie. So before his son was even born he found the name Quade, which is derived from Latin for fourth. The perfect nickname for a fourth generation Leonard that got mom's approval.

So if, on his second day of work, Leonard doesn't have a comprehensive plan for the future of Bethany College, give him time to think it through and he'll come up with the solution.

Baby names aside, Leonard would like to pick up where former Bethany Interim President Bob Vogel left off.

“I'd like to continue on with the Campus Green project, do some campus beautification projects,” Leonard said. “On the academic side, there's a need for a science facility, and new student recreation opportunities for both varsity and the general student population are needed.”

Leonard, or as some call him, President Ed, stopped his list short there knowing it could stretch much longer.

Long lists require large donations and that will be another priority for Leonard. He has a history of successful fund-raising campaigns over the last nine years at Wilmington College in Ohio, where he was Vice President for College Advancement. Leonard directed the largest campaign in the college's history raising more than $21.8 million in his time there.

“President Ed is fine,” he said refering to the “Valkomen President Ed” banner by his office. “Or Dr. Ed or if you're more comfortable with titles, Dr. Leonard is good, too.”

Wilmington, a liberal arts college affiliated with the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), helped shape Leonard's informal approach which makes him an accessible leader.

Leonard was attracted to Bethany College and the Lindsborg community for several reasons. He is a Lutheran, for one, and went to school at William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo., so he's not unfamiliar with the area. He finds the people both on and off campus “warm and friendly, exactly as you'd expect them to be in central Kansas.”

Leonard was also ready for a challenge after serving in supporting roles at Wilmington and previously at Georgia College and State University where he was director of development.

“I'm more of a macro than a micro-manager. I like to get people around me that will support me in areas that I'm not as strong in,” Leonard said of his management style. “I'm here to build a vision for the college.”

That vision includes getting to know alumni not just in Lindsborg but McPherson, Salina and across the country.

“Bethany has some loyal supporters--people that bleed blue and gold,” Leonard said. He hopes those kind of supporters can step up and become what he calls “venture philanthropists.”

Leonard's aware of the particular challenges that a small private college can face when it comes to funding.

“We don't have access to the deep pockets that places like KU and K-State have,” Leonard said referring to the state funding they receive. “We rely on one donor at a time to step forward and get behind the college.”

Lindsborg might be the perfect place to find that kind of dedication and energy, according to Leonard.

“If you can take the dedication and generosity that went into putting the playground together and do the same thing at Bethany, 10 years down the road this place will be incredible,” Leonard said referring to the Viking Valley playground at Swensson Park.