Dr. Leonard Bass is a seasoned faculty and senior administrator with 20 years of experience in higher education. He has served in various sectors of post-secondary education and in a variety of positions. Since 2012, he has been serving as the Dean of the Learning Support division on the East and Winter Park Campuses of Valencia College in Orlando, Florida. In his role, he is responsible for the development of innovative academic support programming and strategic planning efforts aimed at ensuring student learning. His division is comprised of the Library, Tutoring and Testing, Learning Communities, Supplemental Learning, Service Learning, and all Student Life Skills courses.
Currently he is focusing on; helping students in College find purpose through a required first-year seminar course (New Student Experience – NSE), working with faculty to develop an early intervention system, and the development of curriculum that incorporates innovative digital learning techniques for first year college students. His work recently led to the development of a successful Title V grant aimed at increasing degree completion and establishing a faculty advising system. His commitment to learning and helping students extends beyond the classroom. In 2015, Dr. Bass won first-place in Start-Up Weekend’s EdTech Orlando event for his idea to create a digital learning application (OpenU). Within his community, Dr. Bass actively mentors male students and serves on the board of Covenant House Florida to help homeless youth learn job skills and become self-sufficient. Dr. Bass holds a doctorate degree in Higher Education Leadership from Temple University.
