Leland holds a B.A degree in English, a M.A. in American studies, and a Ph.D. in philosophy, all from
Purdue University. Her research area is contemporary continental philosophy, with a focus on gender and personal, social and cultural identity. Leland has served on the board of directors of the
American Association of State Colleges and Universities, Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the
Georgia Chamber of Commerce and other local and state non-profit organization. She was a member of the
NCAA Division II Presidents Council and has held leadership positions with the
Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges and the Southern University Conference. Leland has received numerous awards and honors, including the Georgia Governor's Award for Historic Preservation. In 2008, she was recognized as a
Purdue University Distinguished Alumni, and in 2009, she was named by
Georgia Trend as one of four "Power Women" in Georgia. ==References==