Barry H. Leeds Ph.D.

He had an impact on me to this day I never fully understood. I do know, I am a better writer and enthusiast of Mailer and others due to his teaching.
Joseph "Jay" Oddie class of 77

As I reread Dr. Leeds life I realize how lucky I was to have had him for multiple classes. He has proven to be the best teacher I ever had. He is the reason I am to this day
constantly reading . It was his enthusiasm as a teacher that lit that fire.
Mark Goodwin
CCSU/69

I just learned of Barry's passing. He was one of the greats. He introduced me to my favorite book "Sometimes a Great Notion." I reread it every few years. I had him as a professor in the fall of 1996. I was humbled by how openly and honestly he spoke about his daughter and her great tragedy that no doubt haunted him the rest of his days. He inspired me, challenged me, and made me rethink what I thought it meant to be a man. Dr. Leeds, rest easy. Thanks for all you did.

I learned today that Barry H. Leeds, my favorite English professor in college, passed away in April at the age of 74. I enrolled in his Hemingway course in the Spring of 2012, knowing very little of the professor or his legacy, but from day one, he had such a profound impact on me that I can say this man is one of the reasons that my passion for teaching courses through my veins every morning when I step in front of my classroom and every evening when I sit down to grade. Dr. Leeds, dressed...

Without a doubt the best teacher I ever had. Upon learning of his death I discovered he had written an autobiography. I just came in the mail today. When I am ready and the house is quiet, I will sit down with the book and again experience the man, the stories and the impact he had on my young life. One more time Dr. Leeds, you will be my instructor and I the student. Rest well.

I was an English major at Central when Barry first arrived back in 1968...swoon-worthy, sharp witted, tall and handsome in his jeans, well worn boots, and tweed jacket. I remember him as brilliant, passionate, THE Norman Mailer expert, and so much more. I recall he kept some wood to chop for when he really needed to burn off angry energy. Unforgettable indeed. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing and his sadness.

Dr. Leeds was my instructor in the mid 90's and we had a great relationship. Being a retired Police Officer, we shared stories about his Dad? who I believe was a NYC Police Officer. This was also during a most difficult time in his life as well as mine, and we shared some heartfelt moments.
Dr. Leeds was one of the finest human beings I have ever met, and I recently have been thinking of him and wished to contact him. Please do not put off contacting friends or loved ones as they often...

Reason I became an English professor. Grievous personal loss.

I was a student of Dr.Leeds when he first taught at what was then Central Connecticut Sate College.That was in 1968.Of all my teachers and professors,he alone stands out and memories flood back often of those days.He inspired me,taught me,criticised me and amused me.I always looked forward to his class never knowing what he might entertain us with next.Whatever it was, there was a teachable moment.About 40 years later my own daughter took one of his classes on Norman Mailer never knowing...