Leslie Folmer Clinton, EdD, serves as President and CEO of the Shippensburg University Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the mission and priorities of Shippensburg University through philanthropy and other forms of private support. She works in close partnership with the University President, senior leadership, the Foundation Board of Directors, alumni, donors, and community partners to secure and steward resources that expand opportunities for students and strengthen the University.
As President and CEO, Clinton provides executive leadership for the Foundation's fundraising, donor engagement, financial and administrative operations, and philanthropic support of the University. The Foundation supports scholarships and student financial assistance, academic programs, faculty and student research, facilities, athletics, and other University priorities. It also manages business ventures and other resources intended to generate support for Shippensburg University and its students.
Clinton has served as President and CEO of the Shippensburg University Foundation since October 2017. Her professional relationship with Shippensburg spans several decades and includes significant leadership roles with both the University and Foundation. Before becoming Foundation President and CEO, she served Shippensburg University as Vice President for External and University Relations and as Director of the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center.
Earlier in her career, Clinton served the Shippensburg University Foundation as Annual Fund Director and later as its first Director of Development. She subsequently joined Mansfield University, where she served as the institution's first Vice President for Development and Executive Director of the Mansfield University Foundation. She began her professional career in Washington, D.C., serving as a press secretary in the U.S. House of Representatives.
A Shippensburg University alumna, Clinton earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Shippensburg University, a Master of Science in Public Administration from The American University, and an EdD in Educational Leadership from Duquesne University. Her career has centered on higher education advancement, philanthropy, external relations, nonprofit leadership, and building partnerships that provide resources and opportunities for students.