UTulsa Taps Alumna Stacy Leeds as First Woman President in Historic Move

TULSA, Okla. – March 09, 2026 – The University of Tulsa today announced a historic leadership transition, naming distinguished alumna Stacy Leeds as its 22nd president. The appointment, effective July 1, marks the first time in the university's history that a woman will serve as its permanent president. Leeds, a 1997 graduate of the UTulsa College of Law, will return to her alma mater from her current position as dean of the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University.

Leeds brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education, including a tenure as the inaugural vice chancellor for economic development at the University of Arkansas. Her selection follows a comprehensive national search and represents a significant milestone for the institution.

"Returning to The University of Tulsa is an honor and profound homecoming for me," Leeds said in a statement. "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."

A Homecoming and a Historic First

Leeds's appointment is being hailed as both a strategic triumph and a deeply symbolic moment for the university. As a sixth-generation Oklahoman and a member of the Cherokee Nation, her return is seen as a powerful affirmation of the university's regional roots and its future ambitions. Marcia MacLeod, chair of UTulsa's Board of Trustees, described Leeds as a "trailblazer" who "represents the absolute best of our history and our future."

The significance of her appointment extends far beyond Tulsa. According to recent data from the American Council on Education (ACE), women hold only about one-third of university presidencies nationwide, with progress toward gender parity remaining slow. Leeds's ascension to the top post at a national research institution places her at the forefront of a gradual but critical shift in higher education leadership.

Her status as an alumna further deepens the connection, a trend often seen when institutions seek leaders with an innate understanding of their culture and values. Interim President Rick Dickson, also a UTulsa graduate, praised her "personal warmth and breadth of experience" as assets that will serve the university well as it navigates a competitive landscape.

A New Model of Leadership for a New Era

Leeds’s career defies traditional academic categorization, embodying a modern trend in higher education that values diverse, multi-sector experience. Her resume blends top-tier academic credentials with high-level fiduciary and judicial roles, positioning her as a new model for the 21st-century university president.

Before her deanship at ASU, one of the nation's largest and most innovative law schools, Leeds made a significant impact at the University of Arkansas. As the inaugural vice chancellor for economic development, she was tasked with translating academic research into tangible economic growth. Under her leadership, the university streamlined its commercialization process, expanded its intellectual property portfolio, and saw a record number of invention disclosures, with a notably high percentage of female inventors.

This background in fostering innovation and building bridges between academia and industry directly addresses the challenges outlined in UTulsa's own strategic plan. Her experience is further fortified by an MBA from the University of Tennessee and service on the boards of financial institutions like Arvest Bank and mission-driven organizations like the Native American Agriculture Fund.

Beyond business and academia, Leeds has a distinguished legal and judicial career. She was the first woman to serve as a justice on the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court and has extensive experience as a commercial arbitrator, skills that underscore her reputation for building trust and resolving complex disputes.

Aligning Vision with Strategic Priorities

Leeds will take the helm of a university that is both ambitious and clear-eyed about its path forward. In 2021, UTulsa adopted a five-year strategic plan to navigate a landscape of tighter budgets and increased competition by focusing on five key priorities, including becoming a world leader in energy and cybersecurity and the most student-centered university in the region.

Her expertise appears tailor-made to advance these goals. Her work in economic development aligns perfectly with the university's goal of being a resilient, innovative institution that drives regional prosperity. UTulsa is already home to the nation's top-ranked graduate program in petroleum engineering and is a designated Center of Academic Excellence in cybersecurity. Leeds's background in law, ethics, and commercialization is expected to help expand these signature programs.

Furthermore, her commitment to the holistic development of students—bolstered by her own experience as a former NCAA student-athlete—resonates with the university's priority of enhancing student success and career preparation. While UTulsa has seen enrollment fluctuations over the past decade, it recently welcomed its most diverse and academically advanced first-year class, signaling positive momentum that new leadership will be expected to build upon.

Championing Regional Impact and Community Trust

Perhaps Leeds's most unique qualification is her profound connection to Oklahoma. As a native of the state and a leading scholar in Indigenous law and policy, she is uniquely positioned to deepen the university's engagement with the city of Tulsa and the sovereign tribal nations within the region. This is particularly salient in a state where 39 federally recognized tribes are headquartered.

Her appointment promises to enhance UTulsa's role as a vital community partner. The university already manages the world-renowned Gilcrease Museum for the city and collaborates on numerous economic and cultural initiatives. Leeds's proven ability to foster public-private partnerships and her stated plan to convene a summit with Tulsa's business leaders suggest a proactive approach to strengthening these ties.

As she prepares to take office, Leeds inherits an institution with a strong foundation, a clear strategic vision, and a renewed sense of momentum. Her leadership will be defined by her ability to harness her diverse experience—as a scholar, a dean, a judge, and an Oklahoman—to guide The University of Tulsa into its next chapter of excellence and impact.