Sustained Momentum: Leeds Sets New Benchmarks for Excellence
Leeds’ trajectory of ambitious growth and innovation continues with an impressive start to the academic year.
Record enrollment, student success, a transformative $13 million gift and strategic faculty growth highlight recent accomplishments from the Leeds School of Business while also pointing to future aspirations and priorities.
Soaring admissions, retention and graduation rates
This fall, Leeds’ enrollment reached an all-time high of 4,989, nearly 400 more students than September 2023. The growth comes after the school received over 15,000 applications for the undergraduate class of 2028, a 28% jump compared to the previous year. Additional gains in graduate programs enrollment also contributed to the increase at Leeds, which began trending upward in 2011.
"We are thrilled to see such robust interest in Leeds, which speaks to our reputation for academic excellence and student success,” said Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean Vijay Khatri.
Khatri said Leeds’ most recent retention and graduation rates also indicate increasing student satisfaction and a supportive environment dedicated to positive outcomes. According to recent enrollment data released by CU Boulder, the school’s retention rate for fall ’23 direct admits rose to 96%, up from 93% the prior year. Additionally, the four-year graduation rate for direct admit students rose to 83% from 80%, reflecting students’ success in completing their degrees on time.
“I’m very proud of the incredible work of our advising teams and the continued support that our students receive from faculty, staff and mentors,” he said. “The increases we’ve seen in retention and graduation rates over the last several years are a testament to the commitment we make to students and their families.”
World-class scholarship and teaching
Leeds also continues to attract top talent from leading business schools. Four tenure-track professors were among 20 new faculty members arriving at Leeds this fall. The influx of faculty brings a wealth of new expertise and diverse perspectives, further strengthening Leeds’ reputation as a hub for global business expertise, innovative research and thought leadership.
“It’s very exciting to see continued investment in faculty, which also promotes a vibrant and dynamic environment,” said Sarah Zechman, senior associate dean of faculty and Tisone Memorial Fellow. “In addition to the new hires, our 12 new Faculty Scholars named this fall exemplify the school’s dedication to supporting research and teaching innovation.”
Rankings
Leeds was listed No. 36 among more than 500 undergraduate business programs in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings for 2025, down from 29 last year. Additionally, Leeds’ undergraduate marketing program was listed as a top specialization for the second consecutive year. Despite the slight dip in the overall ranking, Leeds remains in the top 7% of 532 AACSB accredited schools ranked by the U.S. News & World Report in the country, sharing its position with Boston University, Babson College and Wake Forest University.
The newly named Michael A. Klump Center for Real Estate
Earlier this month, Leeds alumnus and real estate entrepreneur Michael Klump announced a groundbreaking $13 million gift that will revolutionize real estate education at Leeds. “This gift is pivotal for CU’s real estate program, providing significant resources that will advance the center’s leadership, enhance student programming and offer student financial assistance,” said Julie Gibson, Sherman R. Miller Executive Director of the center. “The endowment component of this gift ensures that CU’s dedication to real estate education will continue for many generations to come.”
The gift follows over $6 million in scholarships awarded to more than 2,000 students at Leeds last year thanks to support from dedicated alumni and donors. That, in part, enabled Leeds to welcome its most diverse and academically prepared cohort of first-year students in fall 2023.
Excitement that keeps building
After starting construction last spring, three reimagined office spaces are coming to Leeds in January 2025. School leaders expect the investment will help Leeds keep pace with technological advancements in business education and student services. Plans include bright, open and sustainable design features that will invite collaboration and engagement between staff and students.
“We’re excited to welcome students to these new spaces that are as innovative as the programming and support that we provide,” said Stephanie Gillin, associate dean of finance and operations. “The renovated Undergraduate Programs, Graduate Programs and Office of Diversity Affairs suites will reflect the modern workspaces of our alumni and employers.”
Fueling the future
Leeds’ recent successes come as Dean Khatri has begun introducing strategic priorities for the coming year. At the school’s recent all-board summit, Khatri shared initial goals for 2024-25, including accelerating career placement for graduates, developing cohesive interdisciplinary programs and growing specialty graduate programs.
“Our strategic vision for the future will build on our strengths and address the evolving needs of students, faculty, staff and alumni,” said Dean Khatri. “Our mission is to continue making a meaningful impact for business communities, starting on campus but extending that reach around the globe.”