Kevin P. Leonard is the interim director of the Native American Institute in the Office of University Outreach and Engagement at Michigan State University.

Prior to accepting this role, Dr. Leonard served as assistant director of diversity, equity, and inclusion in MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) where he oversaw all diversity, equity, and inclusion programing for the college. Prior to taking on his role in CVM, Leonard served as the senior program coordinator with the Multicultural Business Programs in the Eli Broad College of Business, where he provided academic advising, promoted internship opportunities, coordinated tutorial programs, and supervised a staff of 30 tutors who provided services to minoritized business students.

He has worked across various departments at MSU over the past twenty years, including the Office of Admissions, where he was responsible for building relationships with tribal communities to encourage an increase in the number of Native American applicants to the university.

He has also served as president of EAGLE (Educating Anishinaabe: Giving, Learning, and Empowering) Native Faculty/Staff Association and as an executive board member for CoREM (Coalition of Racial and Ethnic Minorities). 

A lifelong Spartan, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the School of Hospitality Business in the Eli Broad College of Business and his master’s and doctorate from the Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education Program in the College of Education. 

Over the years, Leonard has received awards for leadership and service from MSU and his community, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. A proud member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, part of the Three Fire Confederacy, Leonard’s Anishinaabe name is Waabshka Mai'ingan (White Wolf) and he is a member of the Migizi Doodem (Eagle Clan). He is also a member of the Native American Advisory Council for the Michigan Diversity Council and an elected member of the Holt Public Schools Board of Trustees and the Delhi Township Park Commission.  

Professional interest include:

• Indigenous sovereignty
• Tribal outreach and engagement  
• Sustainability 
• Collaboration/networking