President Patrick F. Leahy, Ed.D., was recently recognized by ROI-NJ as part of the ROI Influencers: Higher Education 2026 Four-Year Presidents list.

The roster honors college presidents and higher education leaders who best represent New Jersey's academic community. The honorees "guide diverse campuses, champion student success, and translate public priorities into programs that expand opportunity." Additionally, those highlighted improve their colleges by adjusting curricula to meet market demand, partner with community businesses to create employment pathways, and advance civic engagement to strengthen statewide relationships.

This year, ROI selected leaders who navigated the financial pressures of today's higher education sector-including reduced public funding and shifting enrollment trends-by displaying fiscal creativity that protects both core academics and access for underserved students.

In his profile, Leahy is praised for his focus on enrollment growth and institutional visibility, as well as his initiatives to expand academic programming and enhance the student experience while positioning Monmouth competitively within the higher education market.

See the full list of ROI Influencers: Higher Education 2026 Four-Year Presidents.