U.Va.’s Leonard Sandridge to speak

at 38th UVa-Wise Commencement May 19

Leonard W. Sandridge, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the University of Virginia, will deliver the keynote address during the 38th Commencement at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise on Saturday, May 19.

The Class of 2007 includes 308 students, making this the largest graduating class in the College’s history. The public is invited to attend the Commencement ceremony, which begins at 11 a.m. at Carl Smith Stadium. The outdoor ceremony will proceed rain or shine.

“We are thrilled that Leonard Sandridge accepted our invitation to be the featured speaker at our 2007 Commencement Exercises,” said UVa-Wise Chancellor David J. Prior. “He is a distinguished Virginian who has dedicated his professional career to the University of Virginia and the students that this great University serves. Mr. Sandridge has long been a sincere friend of UVa-Wise and is very much a part of our success.”

Named executive vice president and chief operating officer in November 1999, Sandridge has served since 1990 in that role, with similar titles, as a member of U.Va. President John T. Casteen’s senior cabinet. He oversees operations of all non-academic support areas at the University, including the architect for the university, athletics, student affairs, information technology and communication, management and budget, finance, police, and compliance, as well as the financial and managerial oversight of the Health System.
Sandridge joined the U.Va. administration in 1967 as a member of the internal audit staff. He later was assistant to the University comptroller (1970-75), treasurer (1975-77), and director of the budget from 1977 until December 1981, when he was selected to oversee budget and planning activities for the University. He was appointed to the additional post of executive assistant to the president in 1986 and held both positions until being named vice president for business and finance in September 1989. In 1990 he was named senior vice president and chief financial officer. In 1993 his position was expanded to executive vice president and chief financial officer, where he served until his most recent promotion.
A native of Crozet, Virginia, Sandridge holds a bachelor of science degree in accounting from the University of Richmond and a master's degree in accounting from the University of Virginia. He served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966, and from 1966 to 1984 he was an officer in the US Army Reserve.
Sandridge is active in community affairs, serving on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce and the Charlottesville-Albemarle County Convention and Visitors Bureau. He also serves on the University of Virginia Foundation Board and the University of Virginia Investment Management Company Board. He is a member of Crozet Baptist Church, as well as Beta Alpha Psi, Omicron Delta Kappa, and the Raven Society at U.Va. Sandridge won the 1987 Ern Award for service to the Student Council and in 1993 was presented the Thomas Jefferson Award, the University's highest honor for a faculty member, given to recognize one who exemplifies Jefferson's principles and ideals in character, work, and influence. In 2003, he received the Paul Goodloe McIntire Citizenship Award, presented by the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce to recognize outstanding citizen contributions.

In 1998, UVa-Wise presented Sandridge with the Samuel R. Crockett Award, which is given to individuals at U.Va. who have done the most to further relations between the College and its parent institution.

For more information about Commencement 2007, contact the Office of College Relations at 276-328-0130 or visit www.uvawise.edu/commencement.

Posted May 8, 2007