Dr. Rebecca Leonard

Dr. Rebecca Leonard provided NC State University with over thirty years of service. During this time, she served the College of Humanities and Social Services as Associate Professor of Communication as well as Assistant Department Head. She retired in 2008 and holds the respected title of Associate Professor Emerita.

In the early 1990s, after reviewing retention data, Chancellor Larry Monteith and Provost Nash Winstead asked Rebecca Leonard to examine the research on student success and design a program for first-year students to help them achieve success at NC State. “It was my privilege,” said Dr. Leonard, “to design and pilot the First-Year Experience Program, the precursor to the First Year College (now Exploratory Studies).” Dr. Leonard established the scholarship to assist outstanding students enrolled in Exploratory Studies. It is her hope that this scholarship will provide support they need to use their talents to become successful and accomplished students.