Leon Edwin Bailey, professor emeritus at the University of Connecticut, passed away on October 11. He was 89 years old.
Born in Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Bailey earned dual bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish from historically Black Hampton University. After completing his master’s degree in speech and higher education from New York University, he joined the faculty at historically Black Virginia State University as an assistant professor. Later in his career, Dr. Bailey received his doctorate in theatre arts from the University of Illinois.
During his tenure at the University of Connecticut, Dr. Bailey taught acting students and directed numerous theatre productions. He was also an administrative leader and served as associate provost and vice president for academic affairs. In this role, he oversaw several university-wide initiatives, including helping to establish the Dodd Research Center and advising the Institute for African American Studies.
