Leon Edwin Bailey

STORRS

Leon Edwin (Dickie) Bailey, of Storrs, beloved husband of Malta Bailey, passed peacefully after a brief illness at Windham Hospital on October 11, 2025. He was born to Leon Sr and Juanita in Richmond, Virginia. The University of Connecticut Emeritus Professor and Emeritus Associate Provost and Vice President is survived by Malta and son, Marc.

Leon attended Hampton University (Institute), completing a dual Bachelor of Science degree in English and Speech, and meeting the love of his life along the way. He would continue to finish a Master of Arts degree in Speech and Higher Education at New York University. He soon accepted an assistant professorship at Virginia State University. Leon and Malta were married and subsequently lived on base during his postings at Fort Benning and Fort Dix. Following his service, Leon earned his Doctorate in Theater Arts at the University of Illinois.

Professor Bailey took greatest pleasure in working with aspiring actors and bringing theater to the stage, at UConn and many other venues. He directed numerous productions from the classical, contemporary, and musical repertory throughout the country. A few of his professional theater accomplishments include winning three prestigious Audelco Awards for his New York production of Boogie Woogie and Booker T serving as Critical Eye scholar for productions at The Hartford Stage Company; appointment to advisory board of the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, University of Illinois; receiving School of Fine Arts, University of Connecticut Award for Outstanding Accomplishment in Higher Education; selection as Artistic Consultant and Advisor to Black Theatre Canada; election to the Executive Board of the National Black Theater Network; and presenting a wide range of lectures and papers on the arts at regional, national, and international conferences and conventions. As a performer, he worked with the Virginia State University Opera Workshop, toured with New York Pro Musica, and sang many concerts with the early music group Renaissance Revival.

Leon was also proud of his work as Vice President of the University of Connecticut, in which capacity he assumed a variety of leadership roles in university initiatives. These include helping to establish the Dodd Research Center; serving on the Advisory Board of the Institute for African American Studies; appointment to the Advisory Committee of the Department of Special Academic and Enrichment Programs; oversight of the William Benton Museum; administering the Counseling Program for Intercollegiate Athletics; and serving as Vice President for Academic Affairs.

After retiring, Dr Bailey spent time reconnecting with family and friends and helping to plan reunions; serving on the School of Fine Arts Dean's Advisory Board; assisting the Town of Mansfield Arts Advisory Committee; traveling around the country, throughout the Caribbean, and to Europe; serving on the Mansfield Downtown Partnership's Planning and Design Committee making recommendations for the Downtown Storrs Project; and following UConn Huskies soccer, football, and basketball.

Leon will be interred in a private ceremony at Storrs Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of his life at Storrs Congregational Church (2 North Eagleville Road, Storrs) on Saturday November 1 at 1:00 p.m., which will also be livestreamed at www.storrscongchurch.org/worship/worship-online. Donations may be made in Leon's memory to the Music Ministry at Storrs Congregational Church.

For an online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com.

Leon Edwin (Dickie) Bailey