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Memoir
Kent W. Leach
Regent's Proceedings 360
Regent's Proceedings 360
Kent W Leach has been associated with The University of Michigan since January 17, 1949. Prior to his retirement on June 30, 1985, he was director of the Bureau of School Services and professor of education. Professor Leach was born on March 11, 1915, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. He received his B.A. and M.A. degrees from Oberlin College in 1937 and 1938, respectively, and his Ph.D. degree at Western Reserve University in 1952.
Between 1938 and 1949, Professor Leach's professional experience was as a teacher, school administrator, and research and guidance director in school systems in Illinois and Ohio. World War II interrupted his professional experience when he served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946.
In 1949, Professor Leach began his career at The University of Michigan as a consultant in the Bureau of School Services and lecturer in the School of Education. He also served as chairman of the North Central Association State Committee between 1953 and 1956. In 1954, he was appointed director of the Bureau of School Services and in 1957 became an associate professor. He was promoted to full professor of education in 1966. While at the University, Professor Leach taught courses in the School of Education's Department of Educational Psychology and in the Department of School Administration and Supervision. Concerning his work in the Bureau of School Services, he developed testing programs for Michigan school systems embracing all grades, K through 12; helped initiate and expand a program of school surveys and evaluations for schools and school systems; directed the several revisions of Accreditation Standards used by the Bureau in conducting the University's program of accreditation for Michigan high schools and administered the Bureau with this basic philosophy: the Bureau of School Services is always ready to provide those services to Michigan schools and school systems that are desired by them but in a manner which would bring credit and respect to The University of Michigan.
It is respectfully requested that Kent W. Leach be granted the title of Professor Emeritus of Education.