by Mike Lawson
Staff Writer
Dr. Leonard Pellicer has accepted the position as dean of the School of Education and Organizational Leadership for the University of La Verne.
He comes to ULV with a doctorate in educational administration, a masters in education and a bachelor’s in English education from the University of Florida. Dr. Pellicer began working for ULV on a part-time basis March 1. He will not become full-time for ULV until July 1.
Dr. Pellicer first came to ULV in April 1997. “I came to speak at the spring conference that the ULV Center for Teacher Leadership sponsors for teachers in the region,” he wrote via email. He was invited back to be a part of the Summer Teacher Leadership Institute on several occasions.
Dr. Pellicer happened to be in La Verne during the time University officials were searching for someone to fill the position.
“Dr. Tom McGuire, chair of the Education Department, thought that I might be a suitable candidate for the position,” wrote Dr. Pellicer.
Dr. McGuire arranged for Dr. Pellicer to meet and get interviewed by former president Dr. Leland Newcomer.
Dr. Pellicer is currently a full-time professor in the department of educational leadership and policies and director of the African-American professors program at the University of South Carolina.
The African American Professors Program is a program that tries to increase the number of African Americans who are prepared to teach in higher education institutions.
Dr. Pellicer has already resigned, effective June 30. “Within the next few weeks,” he wrote, “The Board of Trustees at the University of South Carolina will confer me the title of distinguished professor emeritus.”
Dr. Pellicer has also served as a high school principal, assistant principal and a high school and middle school classroom teacher. “I have 22 years of experience in higher education,” he wrote. He has received numerous awards and recognitions for outstanding leadership in the field of education.
