[2] Leonard began his career as the assistant dean of the Howard University School of Law in 1968.
[2] He also invited Jesse Jackson to speak on campus which "some trustees feared would alienate white donors".
"[2] His letter of resignation, sent in November 1983, was addressed to Bahamian politician Timothy Donaldson, who was the chairman of the board of trustees at the time.
[5] Donaldson accepted the resignation; however, Leonard was asked to serve as president until the end of the academic year of 1983–1984.
[2] With his wife Betty Singleton, Leonard had a son and a daughter; they resided in Chevy Chase, Maryland.