The University of Tulsa has named Stacy Leeds as its 22nd president, with her appointment set to take effect July 1. The announcement was made by the university’s Board of Trustees following a national search process.
Leeds currently serves as dean of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. She previously held leadership roles at the University of Arkansas, including serving as vice chancellor for economic development. Over a career spanning more than 25 years, Leeds has worked as a professor and administrator at major research institutions.
A 1997 graduate of the University of Tulsa’s College of Law, Leeds returns to the university with a long history of leadership in higher education. She will become the first woman to serve as the institution’s permanent president.
During her tenure at the University of Arkansas, Leeds served as the inaugural vice chancellor for economic development. In that role, she helped expand the university’s intellectual property portfolio and increased funding opportunities for faculty inventors and startup initiatives.
Leeds holds an MBA from the University of Tennessee and has served on several corporate and nonprofit boards, including Arvest Bank and the Native American Agriculture Fund. Her nonprofit leadership experience also includes board roles with the Native Forward Scholars Fund and the Foundation for America’s Public Lands.
In addition to her academic leadership, Leeds has served as a justice on the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court and has worked as a commercial arbitrator. She is also an elected member of both the American Philosophical Society and the American Law Institute.
A sixth-generation Oklahoman, Leeds brings strong ties to the region and experience leading major law schools in both Arizona and Arkansas. University officials said her background positions her to strengthen the university’s community relationships while advancing its national and global ambitions.
Leeds was also a former NCAA student athlete and has emphasized the importance of holistic student development as part of her leadership approach.
KEY QUOTE:
“Returning to The University of Tulsa is an honor and profound homecoming for me. 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.”
Stacy Leeds, Incoming President, The University of Tulsa
