2016 Hall of Fame
NAU’s Social and Behavioral Sciences alumni share their success stories
The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Northern Arizona University is proud to share stories of our graduates who have gone on to make a difference in the world.
Laura Wilbur
1990 BA International Affairs
Laura started her career in law enforcement as a Special Agent with the US Secret Service. She conducted criminal investigations and dignitary protection. She has protected sitting and former presidents, vice presidents, and many foreign dignitaries. Her most notable assignment was being on the protection detail of Hillary Clinton. Over the last 21 years, Laura has served in various capacities as a peace officer for the State of California. Laura made a name for herself investigating high-profile healthcare fraud schemes working with both the California Attorney General’s office and the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Central District of California. She was a leader on the task force that led to the prosecution and conviction of individuals associated with the case known as, “Operation Psyched Out.” She has been a speaker at various national conferences, including the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association (NHCAA) and the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units (NAMFCU). In 2014, Laura participated in the SBS Ladhoff Lecture series program entitled, “Three Women Who Changed the Face of Criminal Justice.” Laura was incredibly humbled to be a part of the program standing between a US Attorney and Arizona Supreme Court Justice. As Chief of the Investigations Branch, Laura oversees approximately 100 sworn investigators (peace officers) in various parts of the state. She is responsible for planning, supervising, and coordinating investigations of alleged Medicaid (Medi-Cal) fraud. She also maintains close working relationships with various state, local, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure effective administrative and criminal prosecutions of healthcare fraud. Laura lives in La Habra, California with her husband, Rod, and son, Sam.
John Running
1969 BS Anthropology
Mr. Running has earned a reputation for taking captivating photographic portraits. He specializes in photographing people either on location or in the studio. His photographs stand out because they have a style that is personally creative and graphically strong. He has been taking photographs for advertising, design, and editorial clients for over 45 years. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Running studied Earth Science at the New Mexico School of Mines and then spent four years in the United States Marine Corps, where he served in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and West Indies. Following service in the USMC, he earned a degree in Anthropology at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. His extensive photo assignments have taken him to Italy, France, Spain, The Netherlands, Scotland, The Galapagos Islands, Jordan, The West Bank, The Gaza Strip, and South America. His clients include Eastman Kodak, Polaroid, Nikon, Ilford, Coors Beer, Lee Jeans, U S West, Sterling Commerce, and Canyon Records. He has also published seven books including Honor Dance, Pictures for Solomon, Dancer and Halo of the Sun, and Navajo Weaving Way. Mr. Running is married to Shelley Claude and has lived in Flagstaff for the past 51 years.
LuAnn Harris Leonard
1983 Applied Sociology and 2017 Honorary Doctorate
A descendant of the Tohono O’odham Nation and of the Alwungwa (Deer) Clan from the Hopi Village of Sichomovi, LuAnn Harris Leonard has dedicated her career to supporting the well-being of Native Americans in the region. She served as the director of the Hopi Tribe’s Office of Youth Affairs and as staff assistant to the Hopi chairman. Currently the executive director of the Hopi Education Endowment Fund, Ms. Leonard oversees a fund of more than $28 million. Ms. Leonard was the first Native American appointed to the Arizona Board of Regents, where she served from 2008–2016. She volunteers and participates with many NAU organizations and events, focusing her efforts on strengthening Native American initiatives. She was awarded an honorary doctorate from NAU in 2017 and was named to the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Hall of Fame in 2016.