Donald J. Leo, PhD, the first permanent dean of the University of Georgia’s College of Engineering, has been named the 11th president of the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
He’ll assume the role June 1, succeeding Charles Karr.
“Dr. Leo will build on Dr. Karr’s momentum in Huntsville. He has a strong record of establishing quality academic programs, expanding research capacity and fostering impactful partnerships,” said UA System Chancellor Sid J. Trant, who recommended Leo’s appointment to the University of Alabama System board of trustees. “Since its founding, UAH’s mission has been to be the strategic higher education partner for North Alabama. Now more than ever, this region deserves a dynamic, comprehensive, technology-focused institution, and Dr. Leo is uniquely positioned to lead UAH.”
Leo currently is executive vice president and provost at Ohio University. That came after 11 years at UGA, where he helped build the College of Engineering.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as president of UAH at such a pivotal moment in its history, and I sincerely thank the University of Alabama System board of trustees for their confidence and trust,” said Leo. “As an aerospace engineer with a deep appreciation for the impact of groundbreaking research, I am excited about the opportunity to lead UAH. I have always been drawn to organizations that can have a tremendous impact, and UAH’s location in the heart of a dynamic innovation corridor uniquely positions it for unprecedented success.”
Leo holds a doctorate and master’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Buffalo and a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
A native of Park Forest, Illinois, Leo and his wife, Jeannine, have two sons, Jonathan and Matthew.
