WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
May 18, 2026 – Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. 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.”
“I’d like to welcome alumna Stacy Leeds back to campus and to the office of the president,” said Rick Dickson, interim president of UTulsa. “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!”
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, Ms. Leeds brings more than 25 years of experience as a professor and administrator at national research institutions. She is 1997 alumna of UTulsa’s College of Law.
“Returning to the University of Tulsa is an honor and profound homecoming for me,” Ms. Leeds 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.”
“The priority moving forward is our promise to our people: students, alumni, faculty, staff and community,” Ms. Leeds continued. “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. Most prosperous, innovative and resilient cities rely on an equally vibrant university in their midst. UTulsa will fulfill that destiny.”
The University of Tulsa is a private research university located in Tulsa, OK. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, organized into several colleges, including the Kendall College of Arts & Sciences, the Collins College of Business, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the College of Law, the Honors College, and the Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences, each offering specialized programs and research opportunities.
Related: WittKieffer Helps Recruit 22nd President for Rutgers University
WittKieffer assists hospitals, health systems, academic medical centers, medical schools, and physician groups; biotech, pharmaceutical, diagnostics and medical device companies; colleges and universities, and not-for-profit community service and cultural organizations with senior administrative recruiting assignments. With more than 100 search professionals nationwide, its consultants recruit CEOs, CFOs, COOs, CNOs, physician executives, and other leaders.
Higher Education Veterans
As a higher education administrator and search consultant for two decades, Dr. Smith leverages a breadth of organizational and leadership experience in delivering service and results for his clients. Based in Irvine, CA, he conducts searches for senior executives within education, healthcare and the non-profit sector. Dr. Smith has supported and led presidential searches for AAU, research, regional comprehensive, polytechnic and liberal arts institutions. He has also supported executive leadership searches for a broad range of public and private universities and healthcare organizations, in areas ranging from advancement to athletics to finance.
Ms. Pendleton, who works out of WittKieffer’s Oak Brook office, joined the firm in 2014. She works to identify presidents, chancellors, provosts, vice presidents, deans, and chief diversity officers on behalf of public and private universities and colleges and other senior leaders in non-profit organizations. She is a member of the firm’s diversity council and director of its community fund.
Ms. Bradley is committed to partnering with colleges and universities to identify visionary leaders – including presidents, provosts, CFOs, and deans – who can advance institutional missions and lead transformative change. With over a decade of experience in all aspects of executive search, she is recognized for her dedication to exceptional client service and her thoughtful, personalized engagement with candidates throughout the search process.
Related: WittKieffer Assists Loyola Marymount University in Finding New President
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
