Leslie Banahan has an accomplished career as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Life at the University of Mississippi. Banahan forged her way to becoming an integral member of the Ole Miss community over the years, spearheading numerous initiatives and programs to boost student success and enhance the student experience. Banahan obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Master's Degree in Higher Education at the University of Mississippi.

She later pursued doctoral studies at Mississippi State University but couldn't complete it. Banahan has an impressive work record, which includes playing a pivotal role in implementing the Ole Miss Creed, leading the university's Bias Incident Response Team while cultivating an inclusive campus community that protects students' cultural and social identities. She is widely respected for her strong leadership skills, proactive solutions, and capacity for relentless advocacy for students' challenges, both academic and social.