2021 Power 50: Laurie Leshin
Laurie Leshin, president of Worcester Polytechnic Institute
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Worcester Polytechnic Institute tends to nearly always be at the center when people talk about where Worcester colleges shine: drawing more students, spurring startups, and a forward-thinking mentality toward equal opportunities.
WPI has a $530-million endowment and more than 4,600 undergraduates, the largest in Worcester. Its Gateway Park site includes space for digital health startups. This spring, WPI said it would become test-blind, among the first of a few dozen nationally to no longer consider standardized testing in admissions.
Laurie Leshin, WPI’s president since 2014 and its first female leader, has led this change, along with serving on the state’s committee to oversee reopening efforts during the coronavirus pandemic and having WPI serve as a vaccination for health and safety workers from area colleges.
What do you think the future holds for Central Mass.? “The pandemic has highlighted the need for stronger investments in research and innovation, a revitalization of U.S.-based manufacturing, and a workforce to create and build the innovations of the future. With its mix of higher ed institutions and a strong life sciences and manufacturing sector, Central Massachusetts is well positioned to answer that call.”
Spaced out: “I have an Asteroid named for me: Asteroid 4922 Leshin. But don’t worry, it’s not going to hit Earth!”
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