The University of Tulsa announced Monday, March 9, that Stacy Leeds will serve as the university’s 22nd president, effective July 1, according to a university press release.
Leeds currently serves as dean of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and brings more than 25 years of experience as a professor and administrator at national research institutions. She is also a 1997 graduate of the University of Tulsa College of Law.
In the university’s press release announcing the appointment, Leeds described the role as a personal and professional homecoming.
“Returning to The University of Tulsa is an honor and profound homecoming for me,” Leeds said in the release. “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 national search conducted by the university’s board of trustees and Marcia MacLeod, chair of the board, said in the release that trustees were confident in Leeds’ ability to guide the university forward.
“Stacy Leeds represents the absolute best of our history and our future,” MacLeod said in the press release. “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.”
Before her current role at Arizona State, Leeds served as the Inaugural Vice Chancellor for Economic Development at the University of Arkansas and has previously held leadership positions at law schools in both Arizona and Arkansas. She also served as a justice on the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court.
Leeds said in the press release that she plans to focus on supporting students and strengthening the university community.
“The priority moving forward is our promise to our people: students, alumni, faculty, staff and community,” Leeds said in the press release. “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.”
Leeds will succeed interim president Rick Dickson, who has led the university during the presidential search and will remain in the role through June 30 to support the transition.
TU President-Elect Stacy Leeds. Photo courtesy of The University of Tulsa Press Release.
Dickson also commented on the appointment in the press release, saying “I’d like to welcome alumna Stacy Leeds back to campus and to the office of the president. 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.”
Students are invited to a “meet-the-president-elect” reception at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Lorton Performance Center.
