Joan Leitzel

Joan Ruth Leitzel (née Phillips; born July 2, 1936) is an American mathematician and university administrator. She served as interim Chancellor of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln for six months before becoming the president of the University of New Hampshire. She served in that role from 1996 to 2002^[2] and received the Charles Holmes Pettee Medal in 2002 for her contributions to the University of New Hampshire.

Joan Leitzel
17th President of the University of New Hampshire
In office 1996–2002
Preceded by	Dale F. Nitzschke
Succeeded by	Ann Weaver Hart
Interim Chancellor of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln
In office July 22, 1995 – January 31, 1996
Preceded by	Graham Spanier
Succeeded by	James Moeser
Personal details
Born	(1936-07-02) July 2, 1936 (age 89) Valparaiso, Indiana, U.S.
Spouse	James R.C. Leitzel[1]
Alma mater	Hanover College Brown University Indiana University Bloomington
Occupation	mathematician

Leitzel graduated from Valparaiso High School. She then attended Hanover College (BA 1958), Brown University (AM 1961), and Indiana University Bloomington (PhD 1965 in algebra under the supervision of George William Whaples [fr]).^[3][4]

Dr. Leitzel was the commencement speaker at Hanover College and received an honorary doctorate degree from her undergraduate alma mater in May 2024.^[5]