President Thomas J. LeBlanc
17th President of the George Washington University
Thomas J. LeBlanc is the 17th president of the George Washington University, the largest institution of higher education in Washington, D.C. Dr. LeBlanc leads a preeminent academic and research enterprise with 10 schools and colleges, more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students and thousands of faculty and staff across three campuses in the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Dr. LeBlanc has focused efforts on enhancing GW's student experience, research, philanthropy and constituent engagement, medical enterprise and institutional culture. The university is now building on this progress by developing a strategic plan that will continue to advance GW toward its aspiration for preeminence as a comprehensive, global research university, leading it to its bicentennial and beyond.
"I believe [higher education] is the strongest force for social mobility in the United States. And being a part of it is what gets me up in the morning."
- President LeBlanc
Launch of the Strategic Planning Process
Knight Foundation Investment to Fund Institute for Data, Democracy, and Politics
“Our nation’s political discourse, our media, and most importantly our democracy, depend on facts,” GW President Thomas LeBlanc said. “This new institute leverages GW’s strengths convening interdisciplinary teams and using data and research to solve complex challenges facing our nation and world.”
6 Takeaways from ‘A Conversation with President LeBlanc’
GW parents, students and alumni had the opportunity to ask Dr. LeBlanc a wide range of questions as they gathered to celebrate Colonials Weekend 2019. The discussion, moderated by Student Association President SJ Matthews, focused largely on the student experience and the university’s strategic plan.
GW’s Strategic Plan: Path to Preeminence
The university is undertaking a strategic planning process to develop a plan that will provide the detailed direction for GW’s transformation over the next five years, focusing on quality within four pillars that drive excellence in higher education:
• World-Class Faculty
• High-Quality Undergraduate Education
• Distinguished and Distinctive Graduate Education
• High-Impact Research
All members of the university community are encouraged to participate in the process and share their ideas for moving GW forward.
Strategic Initiatives
Under the theme "Together, We Raise High," the Strategic Initiatives website provides a central location for the GW community to track the progress of the university's five strategic initiatives: Student Experience, Research, Philanthropy and Constituent Engagement, Medical Enterprise and Institutional Culture.
Look for regular updates and find out how GW community members can join the efforts or provide feedback.
President LeBlanc speaking to audience at town hall.
President LeBlanc with members of the cheerleading team
President LeBlanc talking to parents and students
President and Mrs. LeBlanc posing with French President Macron