The University of Tulsa Board of Trustees today named Stacy Leeds as the university’s 22nd president effective July 1. Currently the dean of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and a former vice chancellor at the University of Arkansas, Leeds brings more than 25 years of experience as a professor and administrator at national research institutions.
Leeds, a proud 1997 alumna of UTulsa’s College of Law, has an enviable national reputation and a formidable track record of fostering student success and institutional excellence. “Returning to The University of Tulsa is an honor and profound homecoming for me,” she said. “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.”
Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility.
“Stacy Leeds represents the absolute best of our history and our future,” said Marcia MacLeod, chair of UTulsa’s Board of Trustees. “She returns to her alma mater as a trailblazer, but equally as a grounded, experienced leader who will steward this university with exceptional care. The board has absolute confidence in her ability to conscientiously guide our institution while accelerating our momentum.”
A leader for UTulsa’s next chapter
Leeds brings a strong commitment to accountability and excellence to the presidency.
- Proven Financial Stewardship & Innovation: As the inaugural vice chancellor for economic development at the University of Arkansas, Leeds successfully expanded the university’s intellectual property portfolio and substantially increased funding for faculty inventors and startups. She holds an MBA from the University of Tennessee and brings high-level fiduciary experience from serving on the boards of Arvest Bank and the Native American Agriculture Fund.
- Collaborative Leadership & Trust-Building: With over a decade of cumulative service leading the top law schools in Arizona and Arkansas, Leeds possesses a unique ability to bridge divides and build profound trust among faculty, staff and community partners. She also brings extensive conflict resolution experience as a former Cherokee Nation Supreme Court justice and a commercial arbitrator.
- Demonstrated Fundraising & Donor Partnership: Leeds understands the philanthropic engine of higher education and private nonprofits. Her executive experience includes driving growth for endowed funds and serving on major nonprofit boards, including the Native Forward Scholars Fund and the Foundation for America’s Public Lands, a congressionally chartered nonprofit.
- Academic Credibility & Student Success: An elected member of the prestigious American Philosophical Society and the American Law Institute, Leeds brings top-tier academic rigor to the presidency. As a former NCAA student-athlete, she is deeply invested in the holistic development, resilience and well-being of the entire student body.
- Inherent Mission Fit: A sixth-generation Oklahoman and Muskogee native (“Go, Roughers!”), Leeds’ appointment is a homecoming. 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.
“The priority moving forward is our promise to our people: students, alumni, faculty, staff and community. By providing selfless mentorship and unwavering support, we will give our students the foundation to expand their minds and the confidence to push their boundaries. We will empower our graduates to pursue a mission that truly matters both to them and the world around them,” Leeds said. “Most prosperous, innovative and resilient cities rely on an equally vibrant university in their midst. UTulsa will fulfill that destiny.”
Leeds said she is eager to welcome the Class of 2030 for orientation in August and get acquainted with faculty and staff. She plans to host a fall summit with Tulsa’s business leaders to explore shared aspirations and partnership possibilities, but not before enjoying March Madness while cheering for the Golden Hurricane men’s and women’s basketball teams.
MacLeod thanked Interim President Rick Dickson (B.S. ’77) for his selfless service during the search process. He will continue in that role through June 30 to support a smooth transition.
“I’d like to welcome alumna Stacy Leeds back to campus and to the office of the president,” Dickson said. “Today marks several important milestones for the university: A fellow native Oklahoman, Stacy is the third UTulsa graduate and the first woman to assume the role of permanent president. Her personal warmth and breadth of experience in higher education are great assets and will serve the university community well. My wife, Brenda, and I wish her every success. Congratulations, Stacy!”