"The College Success 101 Talk to our senior class was engaging and entertaining, as much as it was informative. Professor Leamon was right “on point” with identifying the many challenges college freshmen often encounter, as well as offering concrete solutions to achieve college success. We definitely intend to invite him back again next year."
Linda Gabor, Director of College Counseling, Saint Ignatius High School, Cleveland, Ohio"Professor Leamon’s talk is thorough, interesting, and relevant. Having him speak to our students about syllabi, building relationships with professors, and general college success was tremendously helpful and engaging for all students. We saw a new confidence in many of our students at the end of the session as Professor Leamon had given them the secrets to success and they were eager to put his tips into practice."
Alison Brennen, English Teacher, Bedford High School, Bedford, Ohio"Professor Leamon’s College Success 101 Talk was engaging from start to finish and students actively participated throughout. Bringing in guests is always a risk and we must be selective when taking time away from academics. All the teachers in attendance asked me to bring Professor Leamon back next year, feeling it is exactly what our students need to know to succeed in college."
Dawn Ruebensaal, Guidance Counselor, Berea-Midpark High School, Berea, Ohio"The College Success 101 Talk was a refreshing change for our students, and they really enjoyed his talk. Professor Leamon's practical advice made our seniors' upcoming transition to college seem all the more manageable. The step-by-step, no-nonsense approach to navigating college he shared will be easy for the students to remember and follow. Our juniors can also apply his tips to their last year in high school to better prepare for college success."
Mary Jane Loushin, Guidance Counselor, Amherst High School, Amherst, Ohio"Professor Leamon offers very practical, actionable advice that students can use for their first 101 days in college. His message was well received by our students and many thanked him personally after his talk. He discusses topics that educators often assume students should already know – but seldom do. I have no doubt the students took his tips to heart and will use them to reach their full potential in college."
Eric Frei, Principal, Eastlake North High School, Eastlake, OhioBill Leamon (1969 - 2022) was an experienced business professor and MBA program director at Lake Erie College, along with being a committed college and career coach, and successful speaker and social entrepreneur.
Helping students, especially those who are low-income and first-generation, smoothly transition from high school to college and from college to career was both his passion and profession.
Bill was the founder of CollegeSuccess101.org and has given his talk, based on his book, to over 20,000 students at 100 high schools across Northeast Ohio over the past 4 years, increasing retention, persistence and graduation rates in the process.
He was a graduate of The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina (BA), Case Western Reserve University (MBA and MOD), and Cleveland State University (MHR).
Bill passed away on June 12, 2022. College Success 101 was his passion project and the culmination of a life dedicated to mentoring and inspiring first-generation students succeed in college and career.
This site is maintained by his eldest son, Tom, whom you may contact with any questions.
