Leslie Lee Ellis Jr. was born on September 13, 1945 in Norfolk, Virginia and earned undergraduate and advanced degrees in biology. He served as department head of biology at Mississippi State University and ultimately moved to Florida Technological University to serve as a professor and chair of the biological science department. He later held a number of administrative positions and was appointed acting president in 1978, when the name was changed to the University of Central Florida. After serving as acting president he became the vice president of academic affairs, a position which he held until 1987 when he became the director of the office of research park affairs. Ellis retired in 1990.
From the description of Leslie L. Ellis papers, 1967-1989 1978-1980. (University of Tampa). WorldCat record id: 259717817
