Le Moyne President Linda LeMura Receives Insight Into Academia Magazine’s Trailblazer in Higher Education Award
President Linda LeMura was one of 17 presidents, chancellors and provosts to be selected for the 2026 Insight Into Academia Magazine’s Trailblazer in Higher Education Award. This national honor recognizes senior leaders whose bold, strategic innovations have advanced institutional excellence, strengthened community and connectedness, and created meaningful, measurable impact for students, employees and the broader academic ecosystem.
“I’m honored and humbled to be selected for this recognition along with respected colleagues from across the country,” said President LeMura. “This award would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of so many others, including faculty, staff and alumni, whose ongoing work and collaboration helps to transform the lives of our students and benefit the community at large.”
Insight Into Academia selected Dr. LeMura for the award because of a number of initiatives at Le Moyne that has positively impacted the region, including launching the College’s ERIE-21 program to create opportunities in tech and innovation for underserved individuals, serving as co-chair of the Regional Economic Development Council, and ongoing efforts to bring Micron to the region, which will be the biggest economic development project in the history of New York state. She also successfully led Le Moyne through the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining strong enrollment during this challenging time. In 2024, the College achieved its highest-ever position in the U.S. News and World Report rankings.
Others on the list include Texas A&M Texarkana President Ross Alexander, SUNY Albany President Havidán Rodríguez, Molloy University President James Lentini, Chicago State President Zaldwaynaka Scott, Morgan State University President David Wilson and Nazareth University Provost Maureen Forrester Finney. Dr. LeMura will be featured along with the other honorees in the March 2026 issue of Insight Into Academia magazine – read bios of each of the 2026 honorees here.
“We believe the future of higher education depends on leaders who are willing to challenge convention and embrace bold, impactful innovation,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Academia magazine. “The 2026 Trailblazer honorees represent the highest levels of strategic leadership in the field, and we are proud to celebrate their extraordinary accomplishments.”
Insight Into Academia magazine is the leader in advancing best practices in higher education excellence through thought-provoking print and online articles, expert advice and in-depth profiles of top programs at colleges and universities.
