MU President Recognized For Work In Diversity

WEST LONG BRANCH—Monmouth University president Patrick F. Leahy has been named one of the “Top 50 Leaders in Higher Education” by the National Diversity Council.

The award, which is given out at their annual National Diversity & Leadership Conference, recognizes people in higher education that contribute to the growth of their students, organization, and community, while being active in mentoring the next generation of education professionals.

“I am honored to be recognized among such a distinguished group of educational, business, and technology leaders who are committed to fully embracing diversity and inclusion,” Leahy said in a press release.

“Our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion involves the efforts of so many of my dedicated colleagues.

During his time at Monmouth, Leahy has seen the most diverse and academically prepared incoming class and in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges for 2020 list, Monmouth is ranked as one of the top five private, non-denominational, Division I schools for student access and academic excellence.

In addition, almost Nearly one-third of Monmouth students are Pell Grant-eligible, and more than 40% of first-year students are first generation college students and this July, Leahy will be implementing a strategic plan for the university that will focus on matching the racial diversity of university faculty and staff to reflect the students.