The University of Tulsa

The University of Tulsa is a private, student-centered research university located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Its mission is to cultivate interconnected learning experiences that foster the exploration of complex ideas and the creation of new knowledge through free inquiry. Guided by a commitment to diversity, equity, and service, the university prepares individuals to make meaningful contributions to their campus, community, and the wider world.

The university offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including 81 bachelor's, 41 master's, and 17 doctoral degrees, structured across six colleges: Kendall College of Arts & Sciences, Collins College of Business, Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences, College of Engineering & Computer Science, Honors College, and College of Law. The University of Tulsa is particularly recognized for its strong programs in cyber, energy, engineering (especially petroleum), and the arts and humanities, and is classified as an "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" institution.

In recent leadership changes, Stacy Leeds was announced as the 22nd president, effective July 1. The university continues to advance its research capabilities, evidenced by receiving $12.6 million in federal appropriations in March 2026 for AI, cyber, and energy research. The University of Tulsa is recognized as Oklahoma's highest-ranked private university and boasts more National Merit Scholars per capita than any other U.S. institution, with a 96% job placement rate for its 2024 graduates.

Latest updates

Tulsa University Launches AI Degree to Bolster Engineering Talent Pipeline

Event summary

  • The University of Tulsa's College of Engineering & Computer Science is launching a Bachelor of Science degree in applied artificial intelligence.
  • The program is designed as a double-major, allowing students to combine it with other engineering, computer science, or cybersecurity degrees without extending graduation time.
  • The curriculum will focus on intensive courses and labs, including neural networking, deep learning, and AI ethics.
  • The program aims to provide students with a 'versatile skill set' for careers at Fortune 500 companies.

The big picture

Universities are increasingly under pressure to offer specialized degrees that address the acute skills gap in emerging technologies like AI. UTulsa's program represents a strategic effort to attract and retain students in a competitive landscape, and to position itself as a regional hub for AI talent. The double-major design suggests an understanding of the need for interdisciplinary expertise in the field, reflecting a broader trend towards holistic AI education.

What we're watching

Enrollment Trends
The success of the program will hinge on attracting a sufficient number of students, particularly given its double-major design, and demonstrating a clear return on investment for those enrolled.
Placement Outcomes
The university's ability to secure placements for graduates in high-demand AI roles will be a key indicator of the program's value and influence on employer hiring practices.
Curriculum Evolution
The rapid pace of AI development necessitates continuous curriculum updates; UTulsa’s ability to adapt its program to reflect emerging technologies and ethical considerations will be critical for long-term relevance.

Graves Gift Bolsters University of Tulsa's Robotics Research Focus

Event summary

  • The University of Tulsa received a leadership gift from Sarah and John Graves to support the Institute for Robotics & Autonomy.
  • The institute is being renamed the Sarah and John Graves Institute for Robotics & Autonomy.
  • The gift establishes three funds: renovation, operation, and a research engineer endowment.
  • The institute's initial focus is on cooperative robots to assist aging individuals, leveraging UTulsa's expertise in cyber studies, robotics, and biomechanics.
  • John Graves, a UTulsa alumnus and founder of Cyclonic Valve Co., was inducted into the College of Engineering & Computer Science Hall of Fame in 2015.

The big picture

This gift signals a growing trend of philanthropic investment in university-based robotics research, driven by the increasing demand for automation and assistive technologies related to an aging global population. The focus on applied research and commercialization suggests a shift away from purely academic pursuits towards tangible solutions. The Graves' involvement, given their entrepreneurial background, indicates a desire to see UTulsa’s research translate into real-world impact and potentially spin out new ventures.

What we're watching

Commercialization
The institute's ability to translate research into commercially viable products will be a key indicator of the gift's long-term impact, given the focus on assistive robotics for the aging population.
Interdisciplinarity
Success will hinge on the effectiveness of the new Research Engineer Endowment Fund in fostering collaboration between UTulsa's diverse departments, including cyber studies, engineering, and sports science.
Sustainability
The quasi-endowed fund’s performance will determine the institute’s long-term financial stability and its ability to attract further investment and talent.
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