The University of Tulsa Names UT Haslam Alum Stacy Leeds President

On July 1, Stacy Leeds (EMBA-SL, ’10) became the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa, a top 100 private research university. The appointment is a homecoming for the sixth-generation Oklahoman and Muskogee native. She deeply honors the university’s historical, local roots and is uniquely positioned to champion its vision and expand its impact across Tulsa and the broader region while embracing a global mindset for what’s possible.

An alumna of the Executive MBA – Strategic Leadership (EMBA-SL) program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business, Leeds plans to draw on what she learned in the MBA program to advance the University of Tulsa.

Prepared to Lead

Leeds returns to Tulsa after serving as the dean of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and as a vice chancellor at the University of Arkansas, bringing to the university more than 25 years of experience as a professor and administrator at national research institutions. A 1997 alumna of University of Tulsa’s College of Law, Leeds has an enviable national reputation and a formidable track record of fostering student success and institutional excellence.

Beyond her academic background, Leeds’ experience includes serving on boards of directors with for-profit and non-profit organizations, including Arvest Bank, the Native American Agriculture Fund, the Native Forward Scholars Fund and the Foundation for America’s Public Lands, a congressionally chartered nonprofit. From serving with these boards, she gained fiduciary acumen and familiarity with driving endowed funds’ growth.

Marcia MacLeod, chair of the University of Tulsa’s board of trustees, said the board had complete confidence in Leeds to conscientiously guide the institution while accelerating its momentum.

“Stacy Leeds represents the absolute best of our history and our future,” MacLeod said. “She returns to her alma mater as a trailblazer, but equally as a grounded, experienced leader who will steward this university with exceptional care.”

Leeds called returning to the University of Tulsa an honor and profound homecoming.

“Throughout my career, I have approached leadership with sensible pragmatism and a deep belief in the transformative power of higher education to empower our students, their families and their communities,” she said.

Building Leadership Skills

In addition to applying her considerable expertise as a faculty member and administrator, Leeds says that, as president, she will use skills and knowledge gained from the Haslam’s EMBA-SL program.

As a professor of law in 2010, Leeds anticipated moving into leadership roles in academic institutions. To prepare for the opportunities ahead, she recognized the need to forge a nontraditional educational path. In researching her options, she felt Haslam’s EMBA-SL program was the perfect fit to expand her knowledge base and broaden her exposure to different leadership perspectives, all while balancing a demanding professional schedule.

“The small cohort approach and flexible schedule make the program possible and enjoyable, even with the other time demands,” Leeds said.

Leeds adds that the program expanded her thought processes in ways that are complementary to her legal background and contributed significantly to her developing a more holistic way of thinking about leadership. She has used proficiencies gained through the program as her career progressed, and she expresses confidence they will be applicable in her new position.

“The lessons from the program will be instrumental in many ways, including comfort with financial analysis and strategy, a deeper understanding of human resources and team management, and, above all, a better appreciation for both the personal and professional dynamics of being a thoughtful and intentional leader,” Leeds explained.

Praise for an alum’s accomplishments

Professor of Practice Kate Atchley, who served as program director of the EMBA-SL program during Leeds’ time in the cohort, remembers her as a standout leader whose commitment to collaboration, service and community impact distinguished her among her peers.

“Stacy consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, combining strategic thinking with a genuine desire to serve others,” Atchley said. “She had a remarkable ability to analyze complex challenges, engage her teammates in meaningful dialogue and guide groups toward strong solutions. Whether in the classroom or on team projects, Stacy led by bringing people together, valuing diverse perspectives and keeping the focus on creating positive impact. Her dedication to serving her community, coupled with her strong leadership capabilities, will serve her well in this new role. I am confident she will help lead the University of Tulsa to even greater success.”

Amy Cathey, Haslam’s associate dean for graduate and executive education, lauded Leeds for her impressive career trajectory and said that Leeds represents the capability and drive that uniquely positions Haslam MBA alumni to contribute to the organizations they lead.

“Through her executive MBA program, Stacy augmented her already substantial professional experience with focused, strategic skills development that prepared her to take on the challenges of leadership at the highest levels,” Cathey said. “We wish Stacy every success as president of the University of Tulsa and are honored that she chose Haslam as a partner in her career development.”

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CONTACT Scott McNutt, senior business writer/publicist, [email protected]

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Haslam College of Business - The University of Tulsa Names UT Haslam Alum Stacy Leeds President