Before joining Ohio University in 2008, Leite served as the director of the Institute for Child and Family Policy and was an associate professor in human development and family studies at Bowling Green State University.

He holds a baccalaureate degree from Ohio Dominican College and a master's degree and doctorate from Ohio State University.  His scholarly interests include the role of fatherhood, particularly among young, unmarried fathers, the dynamics of custody and non-residency upon children and the effect public policy has on family outcomes.

In accepting the position, Leite said he was pleased "to provide leadership for the College of Health and Human Services during what promises to be an exciting year of transition." He said he chose to come to Ohio University because of the strength of the college, its programs and the faculty. As interim dean, Leite said he is "looking forward to working with others in the college to build on those strengths as we respond to the challenges and opportunities that are before us during the coming year."

His selection was the result of a process in which the college's faculty and staff submitted nominations of individuals to be considered for the interim dean position. Krendl discussed the nominations with a faculty advisory committee consisting of representatives of the schools within the college. She conducted interviews with each nominated individual who wished to be considered for the position and then sought input again from the faculty advisory committee before making a final decision.

Krendl said that the choice was difficult due to the exceptional college leaders who expressed an interest in serving as interim dean.

"The strength of the leadership in HHS is impressive," she said. "All of the individuals I discussed the position with have been exceptional college contributors and dedicated university citizens."

Krendl added that the quality of Leite's work as associate dean was evident in the strong endorsements his candidacy received from faculty and staff.

"Randy is perceived by many as being the person best equipped to lead the college through the restructuring, the transition to semesters, the launch of the B.S.N. program, and the search for a permanent dean," she added. "He has garnered a great deal of respect among his colleagues for his good judgment and ability to advocate for the interests of students, faculty and staff."

Neiman described Leite as "a quick study," who was adept at accessing a wide range of background information before arriving at "well-reasoned conclusions and solutions" that always promoted "a healthy dose of humanism and reality."

"Randy has shown himself to have a solid grasp of the complexities of the college, including programs, curricula, budgetary and personnel issues," Neiman said.