Leo Sweeney was known for his excellence and leadership in internal education, having served as a consultant in over 40 different countries. He conducted extensive research on the educational systems of South Asia and wrote two books, one on India and the other on Pakistan, both of which are published in the AACRAO World Education Series.
When he wasn't abroad, Leo worked as the Director of Admissions and Registrar at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) for almost 32 years before retiring as Assistant Vice Chancellor for International Student Affairs at UMKC in September 1992. During his life, Leo also served as Chairman of the College Entrance Examination Board's Advisory Committee on International Education, and Vice Chairman of their Advisory Council on the Test of English as a Foreign Language. He received Honorary AACRAO Membership in 1993. Notably, he is the only person to have served both as the President of AACRAO (1984) and the President of NAFSA: Association of International Educators (1974).
Leo was a veteran of World War II, father of three, and husband to Annabelle Sweeney since 1948. He passed away in 2022 and will be remembered as a humble, professional, mentor and leader we can all strive to emulate.