Leslie O’Neil

As the University of Kansas Bands Office Manager, Leslie O'Neil works behind the scenes to support both concert and athletic bands in their mission to provide engaging and educational performance opportunities for the students of KU. Leslie joined the KU Band Office with extensive experience as an archivist, researcher, and program specialist in the non-profit sector, and as a teacher in public education. 

Notable performances Leslie has managed during her tenure at KU include appearances at Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Conservatorio di Milano in Milan, and the World Expo in Osaka. In recognition of her contributions, she was named KU Employee of the Month in March 2018 and was later honored as Employee of the Year that same year. She was again recognized as Employee of the Month in May 2026.

Leslie earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska and a Master of Library Science from Emporia State University. Alongside her work with the KU Bands, she is a committed volunteer in the Lawrence community. She and her husband live in Lawrence and have two grown children.