About Leslie

Dr. Leslie Rodriguez-McClellon is a distinguished higher education leader with over 25 years of experience. She has been in leadership positions since her early twenties and most of her higher education career. Her roles include director, dean, chief of staff, vice president, senior vice president, and president. Leading in diverse, complex organizations, she understands the challenges of organizational development and cultural change. As a woman of color, she was able to lead and achieve goals and influence change to improve the effectiveness of organizations.  

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She is renowned for her visionary and transformational leadership, dedication to student success, and commitment to professional development. Dr. Rodriguez-McClellon has worked in diverse educational environments, including HBCUs, HSIs, PWIs, and a non-profit business school. Her expertise spans strategic planning, capacity building, community and business relations, enrollment management, policy development, fundraising, and workforce development. She has achieved significant milestones in institutional transformation, community engagement, enrollment growth, retention rate improvement, and academic program enhancement.

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Dr. Rodriguez-McClellon chairs the board of Westgate Christian University and has served on various other boards across the country, contributing to education and community development. She has facilitated leadership institutes and participated in numerous leadership programs, preparing the next generation of leaders. Her scholarly contributions include publications on leadership, change management, and student success.

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Utilizing her comprehensive experience and expertise, Dr. Rodriguez-McClellon founded 180° Consulting Group, LLC, which offers comprehensive organizational and operational development services that provides sustainable innovation and transformation. She has owned and operated a home-based business and has consulted throughout her career. Raised in Oklahoma, Dr. Rodriguez-McClellon is a third-generation graduate of Langston University, attaining both a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in education. She earned her Doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership from Kansas State University. She currently resides in NC.