History 
The Joan and James Leitzel Center for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education was established by an endowed gift to the University of New Hampshire in June 2002. The establishment of the Center represents more than two decades of commitment and activity on the part of UNH faculty, as individuals and groups, in the areas of science, mathematics, engineering, and education. These faculty shared a vision: Effective learning environments can be designed when research informs practice and when practice informs research. In other words, both conceptual base and instruction context must be integrated.
The Joan and James Leitzel Center for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education was established through the generosity of Leslie S. Hubbard, Class of 1927, in honor of UNH President Joan R. Leitzel and her late husband, James R.C. Leitzel (1936 – 1998). Leslie Hubbard has been among the University's most generous benefactors and an ardent supporter of quality education within the state of New Hampshire.
Background of Planning Process
During its inaugural year, the Center undertook a strategic planning effort involving over 80 external and internal stakeholders. A planning committee was charged by Provost David Hiley in September 2002 to develop a statement of mission and scope for the Center’s work. The work of this committee included a formal dedication ceremony for the Center on April 30, 2003 and the hosting of a set of focus group meetings with representatives from a variety of constituencies in June and November 2003. The Leitzel Center Strategic Planning and Implementation Council formed in September 2003 worked with the information gained from these meetings to develop a draft set of initial goals, objectives, and action steps which formed the framework for the final draft