Leanne Neilson named CLU Provost
She has served Thousand Oaks university for 16 years
Leanne Neilson had served as Interim Provost and Associate Provost for Graduate/Adult Programs and Accreditation at CLU.
Photo: Brian Stethem(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – March 16, 2008) Leanne Neilson, Psy.D., has been named Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at California Lutheran University, announced President Chris Kimball, Ph.D.
Neilson has served as Interim Provost since April. Prior to that, she had been the Associate Provost for Graduate/Adult Programs and Accreditation at CLU since 2004. She co-chaired the Strategic Planning Steering Committee and led the university through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges re-accreditation process.
Neilson joined CLU’s psychology faculty in 1993 and has taught in the undergraduate, graduate and Adult Degree Evening programs. She took on leadership roles early in her CLU career, serving as director of the graduate psychology program, chair of the faculty and co-chair of campus fundraising for an $80 million capital campaign.
“Leanne’s gifts will serve us well as we work toward the university’s strategic goals,” Kimball said. “She has been an exceptional leader at CLU and in the community, and she is a strong advocate for academic excellence.”
A well-known member of the community, Neilson is the chair of the United Way of Ventura County Board of Directors and received the organization’s Milton M. Teague Award for Volunteer of the Year. She is also a founding member of the United Women’s Leadership Council.
The Simi Valley resident is a licensed clinical psychologist with an interest in sport psychology. She has conducted research and published articles on the cognitive functioning of adults diagnosed with schizophrenia. She earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational psychology, a master’s degree in psychology and a doctorate in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University.
Neilson replaces Kimball, who became CLU’s President in April.