University System of New Hampshire (USNH) Chancellor Todd J. Leach was named the next chair of the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) at the board’s annual fall meeting.
Leach is the seventh chancellor of USNH, New Hampshire’s four-year public higher education system comprising the University of New Hampshire, Plymouth State University, Keene State College and Granite State College.
Prior to serving as chancellor, Leach was president of Granite State College, the primary public provider of online education in the state of New Hampshire.
During his tenure as president, the college was the fastest-growing public college in New England. The college also transformed from undergraduate programs only to offering its first master’s program.
With over two decades of experience as a leader and faculty member, Leach holds a doctorate from Northeastern University, an MBA from Bentley University, a bachelor’s from Worcester State College and an associate from Mass Bay Community College. He has also completed higher education programs at Harvard University.
Leach succeeds Vermont lawyer Michael Wool who assumed the chairmanship in 2015.
Established in 1955 by six visionary New England governors and authorized by the U.S. Congress, NEBHE brings together leaders in education, government and business to forge partnerships and advance ideas that enhance the economy and quality of life in the six-state region and beyond.
The regional compact works across the New England states to: help leaders assess, develop and implement education practices and policies of regional significance; promote regional cooperation and programs that encourage efficient sharing of education resources; and strengthen the relationship between higher education and the New England economy.
“Chancellor Leach is perfectly poised to provide valued leadership to the regional efforts of NEBHE and its board,” said NEBHE President and CEO Michael K. Thomas. “He has played executive roles in multiple New England states and institutions—public and independent and at the campus and system levels. He understands the critical nexus of policy and institutional practice and we look forward to his vision, energy and leadership.””When we have an educated workforce, our economy and our communities succeed. It is critical that in today’s current climate higher education focuses on integrated efforts to provide more opportunities for students,” said Leach. “The New England Board of Higher Education offers a valuable platform to help coordinate these opportunities to make our region an educational leader. I look forward to working with NEBHE and the members of the board to continue their work toward strengthening our education initiatives.”
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