Walter J. Leonard facts for kids

Walter J. Leonard (born October 3, 1929 – died December 8, 2015) was an American lawyer and leader at universities. He helped create important programs at Harvard University. These programs, called affirmative action, helped make sure that students from all backgrounds had a fair chance to get into college.

He also served as the president of Fisk University. This is a special university in Nashville, Tennessee, that was started for African American students. He led Fisk University from 1977 to 1984.

Early Life and Education

Walter J. Leonard was born on October 3, 1929, in a town called Alma, Georgia. He grew up in Savannah, Georgia. His father worked for a railroad company, and his mother was a midwife, helping families with new babies.

Walter Leonard went to college at Morehouse College. He also studied at Savannah State University and Atlanta University. He earned his law degree from the Howard University School of Law in 1968.

A Career in Law and Education

Walter Leonard started his career in 1968 as an assistant dean at the Howard University School of Law. A year later, in 1969, he joined Harvard Law School. There, he helped with admissions and became an assistant dean.

In 1971, he became a special assistant to Harvard University's President, Derek Bok. He worked on a plan called the Harvard Plan. This plan was one of the first and most successful programs for affirmative action in the country. It helped other universities create similar programs to ensure fairness in admissions.

Leonard also helped start the W. E. B. Du Bois Institute at Harvard University. This institute is a place for important research and study.

Leading Fisk University

From 1977 to 1984, Walter Leonard was the president of Fisk University. This is a historically black university in Nashville, Tennessee. During his time there, he helped raise $12 million for the university. He also invited important people like Jesse Jackson to speak on campus.

He eventually decided to step down from his role in 1984.

Later Work and Contributions

After leaving Fisk University, Leonard continued his work in education and public service. From 1984 to 1986, he was a respected scholar at his old school, Howard University.

He then worked for the governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands from 1987 to 1989. From 1990 to 1994, he was the executive director of Communities in Schools. This organization helps students stay in school and succeed.

Personal Life and Legacy

Walter Leonard was married to Betty Singleton. They had a son and a daughter. They lived in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

He passed away on December 8, 2015, at the age of 86, in Kensington, Maryland. His daughter, Angela Leonard, is now a history professor at Loyola University Maryland. Walter J. Leonard is remembered for his important work in making education fairer for everyone.