On Aug. 1, Weber State University will welcome Leslie Durham as the new provost and vice president of Academic Affairs.
Durham comes to WSU from Boise State University, where she most recently served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and taught courses in theatre.
During her time as dean, Durham doubled research expenditures, with $26 million in fiscal year 2024 alone, and fundraised more than $40 million. She launched four new academic programs and three new schools within the college. She also drafted a strategic plan to position the college for even more success in the future.
The WSU Public Relations office recently spoke with Durham about her 25-year career in higher education and how she plans to lead Academic Affairs.
Q: What brought you to the world of higher education?
A: I grew up on a college campus. My father was a professor at the University of Kansas and my mother was later a professor at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, and I come from a long line of teachers and professors.
For a while, I didn’t want to follow in their footsteps. I thought I might work in professional theatre. But when I was getting ready to graduate from college, I went to pick up my graduation gown and I saw all the books in the bookstore for the summer semester, and I knew I didn’t want to leave, I wanted to keep studying.
Q: You went on to earn additional degrees. Tell me about that journey.
A: I got my bachelor’s degree in English and drama at the University of Virginia. I started out as an English major, but I took a Shakespeare class where the professor said, “If you really want to understand Shakespeare, you need to go over to the theater.” So I took that to heart and explored the theater, saw all that it had to offer, and just fell in love with that art form.
That’s when I decided to pursue the academic study of theatre at the University of Kansas, where I got my master’s and Ph.D. I really liked that program because it allowed you to balance the scholarly study of theatre with artistic production. That’s also where I started teaching before I got my first permanent teaching job at Boise State.
Q: You’ve already done your homework on Weber State. What are your impressions so far?
A: What impresses me most is the genuine commitment to students and ensuring their success. With everyone I’ve talked to so far, students are at the center. That’s truly exciting to me. It’s a big deal moving to Utah from Boise State because I’ve been there for 24 years, so only a place as special as Weber State could convince me to pull up those deep roots.
Ogden is absolutely beautiful. Even when we first moved to Boise, we stopped in Ogden and I thought it was gorgeous. So it’s funny that, 24 years later, I’m finding my way back. Ogden has also done some great creative placemaking work, which aligns with some of my research interests.
Q: Let’s talk about some of that research.
A: I moved from studying female playwrights to studying arts economic development — understanding how universities, especially in the Intermountain West, serve as cultural anchors. People often think of universities as anchoring things like technology, health, and medicine, but they’re also cultural anchors that contribute to creativity and quality of life in a place. I see that happening with Weber State.
Q: What are your personal strengths and how will you use those as provost?
A: My strengths include being creative and innovative. I see possibilities and opportunities, even in challenges. I’m also good at building strong teams that are highly collaborative, drawing the circle wider to bring more people into leadership roles so people can see themselves as university leaders.
Q: How do you see the future of WSU in the face of increasing criticism of higher education?
A: I see Weber State thriving despite the challenges due to its deep commitment to student success. Weber’s focus on access, learning, and community is bold and clear throughout the materials I’ve read and the conversations I’ve had on campus. The more Weber State can show, and not just tell, how it provides every student with the tools they need to build the future of their dreams, that will help people understand how universities improve industries, communities, and the lives of individuals.
Q: Talk about what you envision for Academic Affairs in both the short term and long term.
A: First, I’m just really eager to get to know the WSU community more. I see the hard work already happening and I want to learn more about it and support it. I’m also excited about a new strategic plan process on the horizon. That will be an opportunity to amplify the good things happening now while also orienting Academic Affairs toward a vibrant future.
Q: What can people expect of you, both as a leader and as a person?
A: I want to build connections. I want to understand this community. I want to appreciate the work that’s happening.
I’m a good listener and I like to make space for other people’s great ideas. One of my administrative superpowers is elevating people’s work, helping them take it to the next level.
On the personal side, I love puzzles. One of things I do to relax is a word game or a jigsaw puzzle. I love a challenge.
Q: What else should we know about you and your new role?
A: I’m so excited to join Weber State. As an “outsider,” I want to get to know the campus community. I think having a fresh set of eyes on the university’s work will help people see their own strengths. I already see the great work happening, and I just want to help people advance that work.
Author:
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu
Contact:
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu
Weber State University is renowned for student-focused teaching, personalized educational experiences and its transformative impacts in Utah and beyond. Weber State is the foremost provider of health professionals in Utah, and a strong academic partner for the aerospace and defense industries supporting Hill Air Force Base. WSU serves 30,000 students from all walks of life and offers 225+ certificate and degree programs, from associate to doctorate. Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more.