Published: Sept. 16, 2024

photo of Dean Khatri smilingDear Leeds Community,

As I begin my second year as the Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean for the Leeds School of Business, I remain inspired by our remarkable research breakthroughs, innovative teaching methods, and the unwavering dedication of our students, alumni, faculty and staff to shaping the future of business. The momentum at Leeds is truly extraordinary. As we embark on the journey to define our guiding vision for the coming decade, our 2035 strategic plan for Leeds is about continuing to excel in four areas of transformational impact. The first area of impact, “holistic educational experiences” for students, includes both exemplary in-class education experiences and how those concepts are applied in the real world through hands-on classroom exercises, experiential programs and career opportunities. I think you’ll be interested to learn how we’re integrating AI into how we teach our students, in “Generating a New Curriculum."

The second one, “multifaceted innovation,” focuses on both extraordinary disciplinary innovations as well as deliberate interdisciplinary breakthroughs. In fact, you will see how our faculty are discovering more crossover with sustainability than ever before in “The Cross- Disciplinary Impact of Sustainability."

The third area of transformational impact is “glocal,” which refers to the need to enhance our global engagement as we amplify our commitment to transform our own neighborhoods. I was lucky enough to join students on a visit to meet the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala in India. Our students came away with invaluable lessons to apply as leaders in our local communities. I’m excited to share the story of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, in “From India to Leeds: Students Bring Back Lessons in Compassionate Leadership."

“Communities of care” is the fourth area. We are fostering many communities within Leeds while increasing exposure to broader communities outside ofLeeds, giving a better sense of community leadership. It’s amazing to see how our mentoring programs go above and beyond to help our students, in “Mentoring Gen Z:ANew Kind of Mentee."

There are countless examples of how the Leeds community is contributing to the study and practice of business and helping prepare our students to do the same. As so many of us have experienced, Leeds is a school with an incredible legacy of excellence and is known for its strong values, academic distinction and continued innovation. As we look forward—the only way we know how to move—I’m excited to share these stories about how our community continues to stay ahead of emerging business trends, challenges and opportunities.

Sincerely,

Vijay Khatri's signature

Vijay Khatri

Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean
Leeds School of Busines