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This year was one of bold moves, big wins, groundbreaking research, inspiring people and unforgettable events. Everywhere you looked, Leeds was doing what it does best: innovating and advancing business as a force for positive change.

Over spring break, Leeds Honors Program students traveled to Dubai, learning about the economy and entrepreneurial landscape. Read about Leeds' many experiential learning opportunities in this year's issue of Business at Leeds.

As we reflect on the lessons learned over a year unlike any other, we look ahead to 2026 with confidence—ready to build on discoveries, sharpen insights, solve problems and embrace new challenges. "The Leeds Strategic Plan outlines our ambitious, future-focused vision and four strategic initiatives that guide our goals, priorities and aspirations as a school,” said Vijay Khatri, Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean of Leeds.

Here are the stories that shaped 2025.

Big firsts

This year, Leeds raised the bar—becoming the first public university in Breakthrough Energy’s University Climate Ventures network, launching next-gen degrees and fueling student ideas into real ventures. With major gifts, bold research initiatives and new data-powered career paths, Leeds charged into the future.

On the map

Leeds’ reputation surged in 2025, posting major gains in U.S. News and UTD research rankings. Our Executive MBA redefined modern leadership education, while milestone anniversaries and national recognition underscored a school on the rise.

In the spotlight

Leeds faculty were everywhere this year—shaping conversations across The New York Times to Hidden Brain, Yahoo! Finance, China Daily and more. Our experts brought research-driven perspectives to stories on culture, consumer behavior and the changing economy—amplifying Leeds’ voice far beyond campus.��

• Alix Barasch in The New York Times
  
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• Ying Zeng in Yahoo!Finance
  
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• Phil Fernbach on Hidden Brain
  

• Peter McGraw in China Daily and on Make Me Smart
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• Sebastian Schuetz in The Independent
  

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The people who inspired us

Leeds lit up social media in 2025 with vibrant, behind-the-scenes stories from our community. These were the profiles everyone shared—spotlighting the trailblazers and original thinkers who make Leeds what it is.��

Jake Schneider (Fin’25)	Mia Scara (Bus, Mktg’26)	Rylan Montoya (Bus’25)��	Liu Liu (assistant professor of marketing)	Daniel Hershey (Mgmt’25)	Jessica Baumgarten (asistant director of the CDO)
Zach Jordan (Math, CompSci, Bus’25)	Kira Starick (RelEst, Bus’27)	Luke St. John (Fin’25)	Camryn Quartaroli (RelEst, Mktg’26)	Abdulla Al fahdli (Fin’25)	Shannon Porter (Mktg’23)

The story continues

As 2025 ends, we’re not just closing the year—we’re setting the stage for the next act in Leeds’ legacy of excellence. A Business Buffs message for 2026: We’re ready!