Chancellor Emeritus William H. Danforth (left), presents the Eliot Society’s Search Award to his longtime friend and colleague James E. McLeod at the annual dinner May 11. Download hi-res image.
Joe Angeles
James E. McLeod, vice chancellor for students and dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, was presented with the Search Award at the university’s 43rd annual William Greenleaf Eliot gala May 11. McLeod was honored for 35 years of invaluable contributions, inspiration, devotion and guidance to the Washington University community.
The Search Award is given annually to an outstanding member of the university community by the Eliot Society, a group that provides unrestricted support to the institution.
“During the course of his long and distinguished career, Jim McLeod has influenced generations of students, faculty and staff with his wisdom and generous spirit,” says Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton. “He is recognized as a leader who develops the student’s whole potential, both in and out of the classroom, and has been an inspiration to all his colleagues.”
McLeod joined WUSTL in 1974 as an assistant professor of German. Since then, he has worn many hats, among them serving as assistant dean of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences; as assistant to Chancellor Emeritus William H. Danforth; and as director of African and African-American Studies in Arts & Sciences.
He became dean of the College of Arts & Sciences in 1992; vice chancellor for students was added to his title in 1995.
Political commentator David Brooks (left) spoke to a crowd of more than 600 at the dinner honoring James E. McLeod. Download hi-res image.
Joe Angeles
McLeod has been instrumental in many initiatives at WUSTL to create a warm, supportive and challenging culture. He has supported many young men and women by spearheading efforts to establish the Ervin Scholars Program.
Most recently, he has inspired close to 800 gifts to endow the James E. McLeod Scholarship.
For his valuable contributions, McLeod received the Distinguished Faculty Award at Founders Day in 1991.
In addition to the award presentation, political and social commentator David Brooks gave a memorable address to the more than 600 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Clayton, Mo.
Brooks’ witty yet profound observations of contemporary American life can be found on The New York Times editorial page as well as in two books. He is a staple of the news analysis shows on television and radio, and he has held a number of editorial and writing positions at The Weekly Standard, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek and Atlantic Monthly.
The William Greenleaf Eliot Society was founded in 1959 to help support student assistance programs, sponsored scholarships, faculty development and recruitment, educational resources and facility improvements.