Leslie H. Cochran was born on April 24, 1939. He was awarded his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees from Western Michigan University in 196 1 and 1962, respectively. Cochran earned his Doctorate in Education from Wayne State University in 1968.

For ten years, Cochran served in a variety of administrative roles at Central Michigan University, including that of Vice Provost for Academic Administration. In 1980, he was appointed Provost at Southeast Missouri State University, a position he held until his appointment as Y S U President in 1992.

During his presidency, Cochran initiated Campus 2000 (later renamed Y S U 2000), an ambitious design for campus expansion and academic excellence. His legacies include a university scholars program, a new college of education building, and the YSU Metro Campus (an off-campus outreach program).

Cochran retired in 2000.