Dr. Leo Lambert (UVM Master's Degree, Education, 1978) is the featured alumnus for this issue of Impact.
Dr. Lambert recently stepped down as President of Elon University, located in Elon, North Carolina. During his presidency, which began in 1999, applications for undergraduate admission doubled, student enrollment grew from 4,000 to more than 6,700 and full-time faculty numbers increased from around 200 to 425.
In addition, Dr. Lambert oversaw the construction of over 100 buildings on Elon's campus, and established national accreditation in the schools of communications, education, health sciences and law, and Elon gained a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Today Elon is ranked the No. 1 Southern University by U.S. News & World Report, up from No. 16 when Lambert took office.
During Lambert’s tenure, Elon has established the Center for Engaged Learning and the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning.
In 2001 Elon College became Elon University, and Lambert led creation of the NewCentury@Elon strategic plan, advancing Elon’s position as a national model of engaged learning. Upon that plan’s completion, he led creation of the current strategic plan, the Elon Commitment, which will guide the university’s development through 2020. Among the priorities of that plan are initiatives to enhance inclusion, diversity and global engagement; support a world-class faculty and staff; attain the highest standards of academic achievement; expand graduate programs, career services and alumni programs; continue growth of Elon’s athletics programs; and continue development of the campus with special emphasis on transformation of the residential experience and growth of a vibrant Town of Elon.
In 2003 Lambert spearheaded a drive to establish Elon University School of Law, an effort that culminated in the school’s opening in 2006 in downtown Greensboro. Building strong partnerships with community leaders, the legal community, foundations and philanthropists who provided resources for the school, Lambert advanced a vision of creating a distinctive approach to legal education. Over the past decade, Elon Law has continued to expand its downtown campus, serving as a catalyst to the renaissance of the city center and creating an innovative academic program that emphasizes experiential learning.
Elon Board of Trustees Chairwoman Kerrii Anderson noted that Lambert’s record of accomplishments and planning for the conclusion of his presidency illustrate why Elon was so successful during his tenure.
“Leo Lambert has been a dynamic force and an inspirational leader who has propelled Elon to a place of national prominence,” Anderson said. “Over the past 18 years he has dedicated every ounce of his energy to Elon. Leo and his wife, Laurie, have dedicated almost two decades of service to this institution. They embody all that is admirable about our community and I invite everyone to join me in expressing gratitude to them for their remarkable devotion to our university.”
Lambert assumed the title of President Emeritus on March 1, 2018, and is spending a sabbatical year working on a new book project. He will teach in the university’s master of higher education program when he returns from sabbatical.