Dr. Donald Leo named new president at UAH

The University of Alabama in Huntsville named its 11th president Wednesday, as the UA System Board of Trustees held a special called meeting to nominate and approve Dr. Donald Leo as UAH’s new leader.

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Dr. Donald Leo to become UAH’s new president

Leo comes to UAH with a deep background in STEM, which board members said made him a perfect fit for UAH.

Leo has served as the Ohio University Executive Vice President and Provost since 2024. Before that, he served as the first dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Georgia, where he was also a professor of mechanical engineering.

During his tenure as dean, engineering enrollment at UGA quadrupled to more than 2,700 students, research activity increased significantly and the college developed numerous partnerships and outreach activities to enhance community engagement. 

Some more facts about Leo’s career:

• Before being hired at UGA, he spent more than 15 year at Virginia Tech, where he was a professor and dean of Research and Graduate Studies.
• He received a B.S in Aerospace and Astronautics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• He earned a MS in Mechanical Engineering and a Ph.D in Engineering and Applied Sciences from the University of Buffalo

UA system Chancellor Sid Trant said Leo is the right person at the right time for UAH.

“This moment UAH requires a president who will demand the highest standards of academic and operational excellence, while positioning the university as a national leader in science, engineering, space and technology. Dr. Leo is that leader.

_{Sid Trant,  Chancellor of The University of Alabama System}

Leo said he understands the mission UAH is on, and added that he knows he is joining the university at a time of tremendous momentum.

“As I prepare for the responsibilities ahead, it’s essential to understand UAH as it is today and to fully appreciate the road ahead. That work begins with listening carefully to faculty, staff, students, alumni and partners, and learning from the community that supports and shapes the university’s mission. This perspective is critical for informed decision making and effective leadership.”

_{Dr. Donald Leo, incoming president, UAH}

Leo said fostering relationships with the students, the Huntsville community and the business community are vital the success of the university moving forward.

“We can move forward together with confidence and a strong sense of responsibility to the students and the communities that we serve. I believe deeply in partnering with faculty and staff and the importance of ongoing dialogue with the campus community. The strongest universities are those where talented people are aligned around common goals, supported by clear data and empowered to do their best work.”

_{Dr. Donald Leo, incoming president, UAH}

Leo officially begins his tenure June 1.

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