WASHINGTON — George Washington University’s board of trustees has named University of Miami’s chief budget officer and chief academic officer Thomas LeBlanc as the university’s next president.
LeBlanc will succeed Steven Knapp, who has served as GW’s president since 2007 and is retiring at the end of the current academic year.
LeBlanc served as interim president at the University of Miami in 2015.
LeBlanc is currently the executive vice president, provost and a professor of computer science and electrical and computer engineering. He oversaw the development and implementation of the University of Miami’s strategic plan which, among other things, doubled the school’s doctoral programs ranked in the top half of their discipline and increased retention and graduation rates.
“In Dr. LeBlanc we saw a person who will elevate GW’s academic excellence, enhance the student experience, and ensure that the university remains a diverse and inclusive partner with every segment of the university and local communities,” said search committee chairwoman Madeleine Jacobs in a statement.
LeBlanc will assume the role as GW’s 17th president in August.
Knapp succeeded GW president Stephen Trachtenberg in 2007. Trachtenberg served as GW President for 19 years.
