Dr. Noel L. and Dr. Violet E. Leathers Honors College Scholarship for History and Education Majors

The Dr. Noel L. and Dr. Violet E. Leathers Honors College Scholarship for History and Education Majors was established in 2013 by Dr. Violet E. Leathers ’74,’79,’85, retired associate professor emeritus of education and former director of the Center for Child Development at The University of Akron. Dr. Violet E. Leathers wishes the scholarship to recognize her and her husband’s longtime commitment to The University of Akron, their belief in the value of higher education, and their admiration for students in the Honors College.

Dr. Noel L. Leathers, retired professor emeritus of history and head of the History Department at The University of Akron, passed away January 28, 2013. He joined the University in 1972 as professor of history and vice president of academic affairs, served as provost and dean of the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, and taught European and Japanese history until his retirement in 1995. Two years later, he returned to the University and served as senior vice president and provost until his second retirement in 2000. He also served two terms as a trustee of The University of Akron Foundation.

Dr. Noel L. Leathers was born January 14, 1924, in Columbus and raised on a farm near Mansfield, Ohio. He left Ohio State University after a year to join the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served as a Japanese interpreter from 1942-46 under General Douglas MacArthur on the USS Missouri, and on special assignment as a Second Lieutenant in 1947. Following his military service, he earned a B.S. in history and German and an M.A. in European history from Oklahoma State University and received his Ph.D. in European history from the University of Oklahoma. Prior to joining The University of Akron, he served as a special agent for the FBI, receiving two commendations from J. Edgar Hoover, taught at the University of Toledo, and served as Dean of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Violet E. Leathers, a three-time University of Akron graduate, retired in 1996 after spending her career in the University’s College of Education, where she also was a member of the Education Alumni Board.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she spent her formative years in Warren, Ohio, and holds an associate degree from Ohio University and bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in educational administration/higher education from The University of Akron. A lifelong supporter of education, Dr. Violet Leathers is a 1995-96 recipient of the UA Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award. Both she and her late husband came from financially challenging backgrounds, and scholarships helped them complete their studies. “My husband and I always valued those students who persevered and worked hard to complete their educations. I hope, in some small way, this scholarship helps lighten their financial burdens,” she said.

The Dr. Noel L. and Dr. Violet E. Leathers Honors College Scholarship for History and Education Majors was established to support full-time students in the Honors College who are majoring in education or history. Dr. Violet E. Leathers selected Honors College students for the scholarship in honor of her husband, a hardworking and studious lifelong learner who always felt Honors College students should be rewarded for their achievements. The dean of the Honors College, in collaboration with the Office of Student Financial Aid, will select recipients.