December 1, 1987
The President today announced his intention to nominate Leonard H.O. Spearman, Sr., of Texas, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Rwanda. He would succeed John Edwin Upston.
Since 1986 Dr. Spearman has been distinguished professor of educational psychology at Texas Southern University in Houston, TX. Prior to this he served as president of Texas Southern University from 1980 to 1986. Dr. Spearman has served in the following capacities at the U.S. Office of Education, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Washington, DC, 1970 - 1980: Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Higher and Continuing Education, 1980; Associate Deputy Commissioner for Higher and Continuing Education, 1978 - 1980; Acting Deputy Commissioner for Higher and Continuing Education, 1976 - 1978; Associate Commissioner for Student Assistance, 1975 - 1978; Director, Division of Student Financial Assistance, 1972 - 1975; Director, Division of Student Special Services, 1970 - 1972. From 1960 to 1970, Dr. Spearman was professor of psychology, Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA, and associate professor of psychology at Florida A&M University, 1957 - 1960.
Dr. Spearman graduated from Florida A&M University (B.S., 1947) and the University of Michigan (M.A., 1950; Ph.D., 1960). He was born July 8, 1929, in Tallahassee, FL. He is married, has three children, and resides in Pearland, TX.