Paul LeBlanc Named 2024 Recipient of the Prestigious Ernest L. Boyer Award

The New American Colleges and Universities (NACU) is proud to announce Dr. Paul J. LeBlanc as the 2024 recipient of the Ernest L. Boyer Award, honoring his transformative contributions to higher education. This prestigious award, named after the renowned educator, Dr. Ernest L. Boyer, recognizes individuals who embody Boyer’s vision of a more connected and civic-minded education system.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Ernest Boyer Award from the New American Colleges and Universities,” said Dr. LeBlanc. “Dr. Boyer’s vision of higher education as a vehicle for public good has long inspired my work, and the students that NACU institutions seek to serve are the ones I most deeply care about in the world. This award is a testament to the collaborative efforts of so many who believe in reimagining higher education to meet the needs of today’s learners and society.”

Dr. LeBlanc served as the president of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) for more than two decades. During his tenure, he grew SNHU from a small institution to the largest nonprofit provider of higher education in the U.S., with more than 225,000 students worldwide. Dr. LeBlanc is a first-generation college graduate who has been a relentless advocate for increasing access to education, especially for underserved populations, including refugees and displaced learners through initiatives like the SNHU Global Education Movement.

Dr. LeBlanc’s career has been marked by a commitment to innovation, competency-based learning, and student-centered approaches that challenge the traditional models of higher education. His dedication has earned him accolades such as being named one of Forbes’ “15 Classroom Revolutionaries” and one of the most influential leaders in the sector.

NACU President Sean Creighton praised Dr. LeBlanc, stating, “Paul LeBlanc’s commitment to equitable, innovative, and student-focused education is the embodiment of Dr. Boyer’s legacy. His transformative impact will resonate for years to come.”