25th Anniversary Celebration
Reflecting on 25 Years of Excellence: People, Milestones & Moments
The Leeds School of Business ranks among the top 2% of business schools worldwide, building on more than a century of developing principled, innovative leaders who make a lasting impact. The naming of Leeds 25 years ago marked a pivotal moment—embedding ethics, social responsibility and sustainability into the Leeds experience and strengthening our global leadership in these areas. Amid dramatic changes in business and higher education, Leeds is ready to meet today's most pressing challenges. Guided by the Leeds Strategic Plan, we aim to prepare the next generation of business leaders to navigate complexity with integrity, creativity and purpose.
What began 25 years ago continues to shape our future—to elevate business as a force for good in a rapidly changing world.
A Transformative Legacy
In 2001, Leeds’ annual magazine, Portfolio, recognized the Leeds family’ gift, highlighting their enduring commitment to business education, academic excellence and innovation. This milestone moment underscored the power of philanthropy in shaping Leeds’ future and its influence on the global business landscape.
Celebrating a Defining Moment
In 2001, members of the Leeds family and business school leadership gathered in Boulder to celebrate the Leeds family's landmark naming gift—marking the beginning of a new chapter and a legacy that continues to shape the school today. Twenty-five years later, Michael Leeds (Fin’74) remains deeply engaged, advancing Leeds’ mission, vision and values as a member of the Leeds Advisory Board—helping drive ethical business leadership for generations to come.
Establishing the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility
Inspired by the Leeds naming gift, the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility (CESR) was established to embed ethics, social responsibility, diversity, inclusion and sustainability throughout the Leeds School of Business—shaping the next generations of values-driven leaders. Since its founding, CESR has brought this vision to life through initiatives such as the Conscious Capitalism Conference, the UN PRME North America Chapter, and Boulder Climate Ventures. CESR also spearheaded the Social Responsibility and Ethics (SRE) Certificate for undergraduates and the Clean Energy MBA and Sustainability MBA pathways, as well as the Sustainability Scholars Program and more.
Boulder Climate Ventures
Boulder Climate Ventures (BCV) is a new program at the Leeds School of Business that brings together an interdisciplinary community of students to explore the commercial viability of new ventures in climate tech.
Through a market-driven curriculum and a strong focus on community building, BCV provides the next generation of entrepreneurs with the tools to deploy innovative solutions to the climate crisis.
Innovation in Clean Tech | MBAX6570 Course
As part of the Boulder Climate Ventures program, this innovative course features top experts discussing next generation technologies and opportunities for innovation in clean tech.
Open to all graduate students and designed for students interested in launching or working for a cleantech startup. Accomplished undergraduates may apply to the program as well.
A Decade of Distinction
Michael Leeds, center, reacted alongside his wife, Andrea, right, as former CESR Executive Director Donna Sockell escorted them to a surprise celebration marking the tenth anniversary of the naming gift to the Leeds School of Business and its enduring impact.
(Photo by Casey A. Cass/University of Colorado)
Wendy Lea Serves as Leeds’ First Civic Leader-In-Residence
Nationally renowned ecosystem builder Wendy Lea came to Leeds in 2025 to share exclusive insights from her career in building businesses, forging strategic alliances and inspiring go-to-market innovation, including the future she sees for quantum technology in Colorado.
Leeds Launches MS in Sustainable Business Program
In fall 2026, Leeds will welcome the first cohort of students to the MS in Sustainable Business program. The 10-month program equips students with the technical, analytical and leadership skills to drive sustainable change in business. It blends business acumen with policy, science and engineering—preparing graduates to lead sustainability initiatives across sectors.
Undergraduate Business Success
No. 41
Best Public Undergraduate Business School
U.S. News & World Report, 2005
No. 38
Best Public Undergraduate Business School
U.S. News & World Report, 2010
No. 32
Best Public Undergraduate Business School
U.S. News & World Report, 2026
Honoring Past and Current Leaders | Deans
1999
2005
2011
2017
2023
Expanding Access for Students
Expanding access is a defining priority for Leeds, highlighted by the creation of ODA 25 years ago. Originally established as the Office of Diversity Affairs in 2001, it was renamed to Opening Doors to Achievement (ODA) in 2025 to better reflect its mission. ODA broadens opportunities for students through programs including the Diverse Scholars Program, the KeyBank Business Leadership Program, Business at a Glance, and the Annual Awards Banquet in partnership with the Multicultural Business Students Association. These efforts foster student success and expand pathways into business education.
Offering Pathways to Success
The mission of the Diverse Scholars Program is to empower and equip students with the skills and knowledge to excel as scholars, individuals and business professionals. The program offers comprehensive support, including advising, peer mentoring, academic support, professional networking and community-building events. Defined by four pillars—academic achievement, educational excellence, professional development, and community building—the program provides opportunities to help students flourish as learners and leaders throughout their undergraduate experience.
High school students can enjoy a full-day experience at Leeds, exploring what it’s like to be a business student. The ODA invites students from diverse backgrounds, including those who identify as first-generation and/or low-income, to gain a glimpse into the wide variety of career opportunities available with a business degree.
Students interested in creating solutions for today’s business problems and gaining experience can apply to join the Business Leadership Program (BLP), hosted by ODA. BLP is designed to provide a free, high-impact learning experience through a case competition. Participants work in teams to create marketing campaigns for corporate partners, competing for a chance to win $1,000.
Talented high school students are invited to compete in a summer case competition at Leeds, gaining real-world experience while focusing on issues affecting women. Students learn the values of business leadership and teamwork while strengthening critical thinking and analytical skills. Accepted students compete to win a $1,000 scholarship to Leeds.
For the past 26 years, Leeds has honored the achievements and academic excellence of students in the Multicultural Business Student Association at its annual awards banquet.
2025 Visionary Awardee
The Barney Ford Diversity Scholarship Fundraiser is dedicated to promoting diversity within the Leeds MBA program. The scholarship is named for Barney L. Ford (1822–1902), a former enslaved person who became a Denver business leader. This annual fundraiser celebrated its 33rd year in 2026.
Providing Flexible MBA Options for Working Professionals
Building on the strength of its full-time MBA program, which has been educating business leaders for more than 60 years, Leeds introduced an evening MBA program 25 years ago to better serve working professionals.
Since then, the part-time MBA has broadened opportunities for individuals balancing careers and personal commitments. The portfolio now includes Hybrid MBA and Executive MBA options to meet professionals where they are in their careers.
Rising in the Part-Time MBA Rankings
No. 24
Best Part-Time Public MBA Program
U.S. News & World Report, 2026
No. 42
Best Part-Time Public MBA Program
U.S. News & World Report, 2025
No. 52
Best Part-Time Public MBA Program
U.S. News & World Report, 2016