“I am deeply honored to have received the Distinguished Alumni award from my alma mater,” Leland said. “More importantly, it is not just recognition of my accomplishments, but also a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the faculty and staff at Georgia College who have worked so tirelessly to support me and our mission as Georgia’s Liberal Arts University.”

“The Alumni Board is proud to recognize the Distinguished Alumni who have moved boldly into the future and cast distinction on Purdue University’s College of Liberal Arts through their inspiring examples,” according to a statement from Purdue University.

Leland earned a bachelor’s degree in English in 1971, a master’s in American Studies in 1973 and her doctorate of philosophy in 1978, all at Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana.

This year marks the 23rd year Purdue has recognized Distinguished Alumni from within the College of Liberal Arts. To date, a total of 98 alumni have received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Purdue. Other notable recipients include coaching legend, John Wooden, C-Span Founder, Brian Lamb, and New York Time Editorial Writer, Carolyn Curiel.