Lindsey Leonard has been named the vice president for student life and dean of students at Wartburg College. Leonard has served in several roles at Wartburg since 2013, most recently as associate dean of students and special assistant to the president for student success.

In this new role, Leonard will oversee the Division of Student Life, comprising essential campus functions including residential life; orientation and student engagement; vocation, mentoring and internships; inclusive community; and the Noah Campus Health Clinic. She also will continue to lead the college’s five-year student success and retention initiative.

“I came to Wartburg right out of graduate school in 2013 and really believed I would only be at the College for a year or two, never believing I would be a vice president and dean a dozen years later,” Leonard said. “I have only ever wanted to be a mentor for students during an exciting and often confusing period of personal growth, and I have been willing to pursue that vocation from whatever seat made the most sense for me and for the college.”

Leonard began her career at Wartburg as the assistant director of admissions, later serving in student life as a champion for first-year students, leading efforts in student orientation, transition and retention to bolster student success.

Wartburg College President Rebecca Ehretsman said what set Leonard apart is her ability to connect with students while still thinking strategically about the overall success of the college.

“From the moment I arrived at Wartburg, it was clear that Lindsey Leonard played an integral role in the lives of our students. Her ability to balance warmth and compassion with clear expectations, accountability and resilient thinking differentiates her leadership. Lindsey is an exceptional thought partner and will be a meaningful addition to our Senior Leadership Team,” Ehretsman said.

Leonard earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations and her master’s degree in postsecondary education: student affairs from the University of Northern Iowa. She holds certifications from NASPA, an organization for higher education student affairs administrators, in Higher Education Law & Policy and Alternate Dispute Resolution, as well as continuing education credits in Title IX, multicultural education support and first-year program development.

“I am overjoyed to be able to do the good work of caring deeply for our students from a new seat and look forward to working collaboratively with the incredible student life staff and all of campus to ensure a bright future for Wartburg College and our graduates,” Leonard said. “I have so much gratitude to many, many Wartburg colleagues who have helped shaped me into a compassionate and courageous leader ready to take on the demands of this position and to President Ehretsman, members of Senior Leadership Team and the board for their confidence in me. I look forward to learning and growing right alongside our students.”