Kawanna Leggett, Ed.D.

Senior Vice President for Student Affairs

Loyola Marymount University

Kawanna Leggett, Ed.D., is an accomplished, justice-oriented student development leader whose advocacy for students aligns with LMU’s Catholic, Jesuit, and Marymount mission to elevate the student experience and inspire the community. As senior vice president for Student Affairs, she oversees Campus Recreation and Student Facilities, Ethnic and Intercultural Services, LMU CARES, Off Campus Student Life, the Office for International Students and Scholars, the Office of Student Conduct and Community Responsibility, the Pam Rector Center for Service and Action, Recovery, Student Employment Services, Student Health Services, Student Housing, Student Leadership and Development, Student Psychological Services, and Student Success.

Before joining LMU, Dr. Leggett served as associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs at Washington University in St. Louis, where she oversaw Residential Life and Housing, Conference Services, Student Transitions and Family Programs, and the Faculty Fellows in Residence Program. She managed a $54 million budget, housing for 5,300 students, and a team of more than 250 staff. Previously, she served as interim associate vice chancellor for Student Transition and Engagement and dean of students, leading areas such as Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Involvement, Student Conduct and Community Standards, and the First Year Center.

Her leadership experience also includes serving as director of Residential Education at UC Berkeley, where she spearheaded inclusive and diverse student residence programming and operations, enhancing living-learning communities, theme housing, and emergency response initiatives. At New York University, she played a critical role in student support, addressing campus climate, alcohol and drug use, and mental health crises while also collaborating with NYU’s Global Affairs team to support students at NYU Shanghai and NYU DC. She was honored with NYU’s Give a Violet Award for exceptional service.

Dr. Leggett earned her Doctor of Education degree from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, her master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and her bachelor’s degree in political science from Clemson University. She remains actively engaged in student development through her service in regional and national professional organizations. She previously served on the executive board of the Association of College and University Housing Officers – International (ACUHO-I) as the workforce development director and is a proud member of NASPA and the National Coalition of Black Women, Los Angeles.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Dr. Leggett enjoys music, professional and collegiate sports, running, traveling, spending time with family, and coaching youth track.