Edith Gordon McLeod (BA 1920) was secretary to Presidents C.C. Jones and Norman A.M. MacKenzie before becoming the first female University Registrar in 1945. She remained in that position until her retirement in 1968, having worked with five different presidents.
One of the university's longest-serving staff members, "Edie" as she was known became counsellor and friend to staff and students throughout her 41 years of service, often remembering students' names during and long after their university careers. Former UNB president Milton Gregg said of McLeod in 1973, "I had the advantage of having that wonderful woman, Edie McLeod as chief of staff whom I made Registrar without delay, and how well she performed that task...I don't think that Edith McLeod's contribution to the work of the university...has yet been adequately recognized."
In tribute to her dedication to UNB, McLeod was awarded an honorary LLD in 1966 and upon her retirement in 1968, she was named Registrar Emerita, the first in the university's history. Another honour was bestowed upon her in 1974 when McLeod House was named for her. Edie McLeod died on 3 October 1981.
Source(s):
- UA Case 77; Section 2, Box 3.
- Alumni News, Fall 1981, p. 1.
- The Brunswickan, vol. 116, no. 5, 9 October 1981, p. 3.
- UA RG 153; Interview with Milton F. Gregg, October 1973.
- [UNB Honorary Degrees Database]