Hall of Fame
A native of Aurora, Ill., Lois B. DeFleur served as University President between 1991 and 2010. She was the university's first female president and her 20-year span is the longest of any president in school history.
A former collegiate basketball player, DeFleur was an avid supporter of athletics and her vision for the University included a strong school spirit directly tied to a successful intercollegiate athletics program. During her tenure, the University made its historic move from NCAA Division III to Division I and gained membership in the America East Conference. The university also changed its mascot and nickname to "Bearcats" during her leadership.
She was a frequent speaker at athletics banquets and luncheons and frequently could be seen cheering for the teams during competitions. DeFleur gave the keynote speech at the first "Celebrating Women's Athletics" event in 2006.
DeFleur's campus leadership coincided with unprecedented growth in Binghamton's academic offerings, research and fundraising. During her time at Binghamton, she oversaw the addition of dozens of new graduate and undergraduate programs. She also guided the campus through its first two comprehensive gift campaigns, which raised nearly $140 million for student scholarships, facilities enhancement and faculty support. DeFleur also has contributed generously by establishing several endowments for the university, with the most recent supporting doctoral student excellence.
DeFleur received her doctoral degree in sociology from the University of Illinois and her bachelor's degree from Blackburn College.
An an aircraft owner and accomplished pilot, she was the first woman to teach at the United States Air Force Academy.
