Dr. John H. Leslie Jr. built a successful career by bridging engineering, rehabilitation science, public service and academic leadership.

Leslie earned a Bachelor of Science with honors in industrial engineering from the University of Wichita (now Wichita State University) in 1961. He then earned a Master of Science in industrial engineering in 1964 from WSU.

He completed his Ph.D. in 1972 in industrial engineering and management from Oklahoma State University’s College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, where he was a recipient of a National Science Foundation Science Faculty Fellowship.

He began his teaching career at WSU, serving as an instructor and later as an assistant professor, associate professor and head of the Industrial Engineering Department from 1962-77.

The department transformed under his leadership, beginning as a one-person operation and becoming a fully accredited program. He helped develop the program’s first master’s degree and was instrumental in starting off-campus and professional certification programs for engineering students.

He also authored and administered the university’s first rehabilitation engineering research proposal, leading to more than $16 million in research revenue over a 26-year period in collaboration with the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation of Kansas.

He held executive roles with CPRF, beginning as director of operations and later as vice president of operations and research, executive vice president and executive director of the Institute for Rehabilitation Research and Service.

In these roles, he was responsible for a vast portfolio of research and service delivery programs. These included rehabilitation engineering research, independent living facilities, vocational placement initiatives, neurological rehabilitation programs, posture and seating systems for children, and mobile rehabilitation services.

Leslie later used his expertise through formal consulting and service in the public sector. He provided consulting services to Sedgwick County Fire District No. 1 as well as advised public health planning efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic through the Sedgwick County Health Department. He also served on the boards of the American Red Cross and the Midwest Cancer Foundation, further demonstrating his commitment to public service.

Leslie made strong contributions to the field of rehabilitation engineering. He co-edited "Rehabilitation Engineering," the first definitive text on the subject. He also co-edited sections of "A Blue-Collar Solution: Team Rehab Report" and "Persons with Disabilities and Jobs: A Problem Unresolved."

His work on these publications further reflects a consistent passion and focus on applying his engineering experience to develop practical solutions for people in underserved communities.

His passion for others also extended internationally, helping establish rehabilitation centers, government-funded employment programs for people with disabilities and collaborating on international research projects in locations such as India, Egypt, Poland and the United Kingdom.

Leslie has been recognized with various awards and honors in appreciation of his contributions to helping others. He was named a Fellow of the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, received the Goldenson Award from the United Cerebral Palsy Association, and was twice honored with the Mary Switzer Scholarship by the National Rehabilitation Association.

Leslie’s career was defined by using his engineering education to be a trailblazer in making lives better for people with disabilities and people who are less fortunate. His long-lasting impact brought together engineering, health and social impact to improve people's lives on a global scale.

“OSU gave me a comprehensive educational background that allowed me to professionally excel in a wide range of fields,” Leslie said. “These include rehabilitation engineering, technical management, academic and college administration, fire science technology, aerospace industry consulting and service on numerous boards of directors.”

Leslie’s lifetime of service and innovation exemplifies the OSU Cowboy Code by centering his efforts on integrity and service to the greater good in both his professional and personal life.