Kevin Leonard

Kevin Leonard, a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians with the Anishinaabe name Waabishka Ma’iingan (White Wolf), is a Senior Lecturer at Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business. He serves as Senior Associate Director of Multicultural Business Programs (MBP) and Interim Director of the Native American Institute. A dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Dr. Leonard has over 23 years of experience supporting Native American, African American, and Latinx students through recruitment, retention, and academic advising initiatives.

• Education:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Business, Michigan State University
  • Master’s in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education, Michigan State University
  • PhD in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education, Michigan State University

His research focuses on fostering cross-racial dialogue, enhancing university admissions processes, and bridging tribal communities with higher education. Dr. Leonard also directs the Native American Business Institute, a pre-college program for Indigenous youth, and coordinates the MBP Tutorial Program, which employs 15 tutors and serves over 250 students per semester.

• Leadership Roles:
  • Senior Associate Director, Multicultural Business Programs (MBP)
  • Interim Director, Native American Institute
  • Treasurer, EAGLE (Native American Faculty/Staff Association)
  • Executive Board Member, CoREM (Coalition of Racial and Ethnic Minorities)
  • Member, Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council Native Engagement Committee