A Legacy of Leadership

Those words aptly describe the leadership of President Carol Leary. From the beginning, what set Carol Leary’s leadership apart was her ability to look beyond the horizon and see limitless possibilities. A February 2020 editorial from The Republican stated what many people had recognized for some time: “Her vision was ahead of her time.”

While vision was the cornerstone of her presidency, these ideas took shape in the form of a succession of vision plans—blueprints for the future. Carol Leary would be the first to credit the vision teams, drawn from the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and valued advisors, for the successful implementation of these vision plans leading to the incredible transformation of Bay Path University. In particular, the Trustees played a vital role by probing and questioning, identifying priorities, finding resources, allocating funds, and serving as at-large ambassadors for Bay Path. Their contributions were invaluable, and their support and counsel gave not only Carol Leary, but also the
University community the strength of purpose and confidence to meet vision goals.

Throughout her presidency, Carol Leary’s charismatic leadership style resonated within the fabric of Bay Path. She guided people in a common direction, and along the way, she empowered individuals to innovate, act, and take risks. She encouraged people to strive and take great leaps forward. Bay Path became a place where dreams were made.

In the end, President Carol Leary inspired all of us to reach for the moon and beyond. That’s what defines a great leader.

Every Great Idea Needs A Plan

At Bay Path, every vision plan was a community plan. From every department and area of the University, people shared their ideas and thoughts. Through a careful process of sifting and refining, a strategic plan would emerge that would push Bay Path forward to a new level of achievement.

Vision 2001: Bay Path College: Expanding Horizons; Vision 2006: Leveraging Our Strengths for Growth; Vision 2011: Good to Great; Vision 2013: A New American Women’s College for the 21st Century; Vision 2016: Evolution to Revolution; Vision 2019: Imagining the Bay Path University for the Future.

Working Together

The successful development of these vision plans depended on thoughtful and measurable fundraising campaigns. At the core of these campaigns have been the people. The generosity from the Board of Trustees, alumni, major donors, faculty, staff, and friends in support of campaign goals and the mission allowed Bay Path to reach its vision goals. As a result, the endowment increased, students were able to receive scholarships and the assistance they needed, new programs were initiated, and a culture of stewardship and gratitude were cultivated.

SEIZE THE DAY, SEIZE THE DREAM (1998-2003); CHARTING NEW PATHS (2008-2011); IT BEGINS HERE (2013-2016).

_{*Quotation from Warren Bennis, lecturer, educator, and pioneer in the field of leadership studies}