The Leeds School of Business thrives on the strength of its network.

At Leeds, our greatest strength lies in our community—a vibrant network of alumni, business partners and supporters. This dedicated group fuels a dynamic environment where students don’t just learn—they thrive. Through the power of mentorship and real-world engagement, our community brings education to life, strengthens relationships and propels students toward their fullest potential.

Mentorship: A Cornerstone of the Leeds Experience

For 15 years, our mentorship programs have connected our community with students, providing guidance, dedicated support and valuable connections that drive personal and professional growth.  A transformative gift in 2012 helped shape the program into what it is today, expanding its reach and ensuring comprehensive support for students at every stage of their academic journey. 

Impact Highlights:

• Over 9,000 student-mentor partnerships since the program's inception.
• 54% of the Class of 2024 engaged in mentoring programs during their time at Leeds.
• 1,231 professional mentors across graduate and undergraduate programs.
• Leeds alumni comprise nearly 65% of all mentors.

Bringing Industry to the Classroom

Our community’s impact extends beyond mentoring. Each semester, hundreds of seasoned professionals step into our classrooms to share their knowledge and spark curiosity. As guest speakers, judges, panelists and advisors, they bring the business world to Leeds, offering students a firsthand look at the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Impact Highlights:

• Over 2,200 professional engagements in 2023-24.
• 683 guest speakers and case competition judges.
• 133 partners serving on six advisory boards.

A Journey of Engagement

Few embody the spirit of the Leeds community more than Chase Prieve (MKTG'14). His 15-year journey from mentee to mentor is a powerful testament to the impact of community engagement. Starting as a freshman mentee, Prieve found the guidance and inspiration that fueled his growth. Recognizing the profound value of mentorship, he quickly transitioned to becoming a mentor himself and has remained deeply committed to this role ever since.

Over the years, Prieve has guided more than 30 students, facilitated numerous internships and continually enriched the Leeds community through his roles as a guest speaker, pitch competition judge and champion of entrepreneurship initiatives.

“The thing I'm most proud of is being part of something bigger than myself and watching it grow. Giving back isn't just about money; it's about your talent and time. You've got to give back to a community that has given you so much,”

reflected Prieve.

Off

Preparing our students for success in the global marketplace.

At Leeds, we are committed to preparing our students for success in the global marketplace. Our First-Year Global Experience (FGX) program is central to this mission, designed to help students understand how international issues and cultural differences impact the business world. This transformative elective blends intensive classroom learning with a week-long, immersive international experience, offering students their first passport to the world of global business.

During the 2023-24 academic year, 317 students took part in FGX and 65% of participants received financial support, made possible by the generosity of our donor community. This essential funding ensures that students from all financial backgrounds can access this invaluable global experience. 

Impactful Reach 

Transformative Student Experiences 

According to Kathryn N., the Japan FGX was the highlight of their Leeds journey. From working with Japanese students on sustainability proposals to exploring Tokyo, there was never a moment they felt like they were not learning something new. And the memories created were unforgettable. /business/sites/default/files/article-image/gold-bar-news-at-leeds-boulder.png

“Learning about Japan in the classroom was enriching, but truly experiencing the vibrant culture in Tokyo was something you could only achieve by living it,”

said Kathyrn N.

Developing Future Global Leaders

As Leeds continues to elevate its standing among top business schools, the FGX program remains a cornerstone of its commitment to global education. This program not only prepares students for the current global economy but also equips them to shape its future. Ongoing support for the FGX program is an investment in developing globally-minded leaders who will drive innovation and positive change in international business landscapes. 

“Our trip not only enhanced our cultural intelligence but also resulted in a deep understanding of bilateral international relations,”

said Dane W.

Off

Leeds MBA students explore the intersection of climate change and business at the ClimateCAP Summit.

In February 2024, Leeds MBA students attended the ClimateCAP MBA Summit at the University of Michigan. This annual global conference focuses on the intersection of climate change and modern business operations, providing a platform for future business leaders to engage with peers, industry experts and thought leaders from around the world. Thanks to generous donor support, these students were able to participate in this invaluable learning experience, further enriching their educational journey at Leeds.

A Pathway to Sustainable Success

The Leeds delegation comprised students from the school's innovative Sustainability and Clean Energy MBA Pathways. These pioneering programs prepare MBA students for careers in these rapidly growing sectors, positioning Leeds at the forefront of sustainable business education.

Among the attendees was Laird Grant, a first-year MBA student. With a diverse background that includes professional mountain biking, bike shop ownership and an undergraduate degree in geology, Grant exemplifies the unique perspectives within the program. His journey to Leeds represents a deliberate career pivot, where he aims to leverage his entrepreneurial experience and acquire the skills necessary for a career in clean energy.

Insights, Innovations and Impact

For Grant and his fellow Leeds students, the ClimateCAP MBA Summit was a valuable opportunity to explore innovative, climate-focused business strategies. The summit addressed urgent topics, such as the projected $700 billion annual impact of climate change by 2030 and the multi-trillion-dollar opportunities in climate-focused markets. The experience also offered insights into career paths and internships and fostered connections with like-minded peers and professionals. The Leeds delegation aims to bring these insights back to campus, enriching club activities and informing curriculum discussions, further positioning Leeds within the global network of business schools dedicated to tackling climate challenges.

“The conference was a fantastic networking event for meeting industry leaders from around the world who are interested in climate, sustainability and energy,”

 said Grant.

Leading the Clean Energy Charge

As the business world grapples with the complexities of climate change, experiences like the ClimateCAP trek equip Leeds MBAs with the knowledge, networks and motivation to lead the charge toward a sustainable future. Situated in ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ’s thriving energy sector, Leeds students have unique opportunities to engage with industry leaders and innovators. Combined with the school’s strong commitment to sustainability, these experiences position Leeds graduates at the forefront of the clean energy transition, ready to turn climate challenges into opportunities for positive impact.

Click here to read about Laird Grant's thoughts on the ClimateCAP MBA Summit and Clean Energy MBA Pathway.

Off

The Leeds School of Business thrives on the strength of its network.

At Leeds, our greatest strength lies in our community—a vibrant network of alumni, business partners and supporters. This dedicated group fuels a dynamic environment where students don’t just learn—they thrive. Through the power of mentorship and real-world engagement, our community brings education to life, strengthens relationships and propels students toward their fullest potential. 

Mentorship: A Cornerstone of the Leeds Experience 

For 15 years, our mentorship programs have connected our community with students, providing guidance, dedicated support and valuable connections that drive personal and professional growth.  A transformative gift in 2012 helped shape the program into what it is today, expanding its reach and ensuring comprehensive support for students at every stage of their academic journey.  

Impact Highlights: 

• Over 9,000 student-mentor partnerships since the program's inception.
• 54% of the Class of 2024 engaged in mentoring programs during their time at Leeds. 
• 1,231 professional mentors across graduate and undergraduate programs.
• Leeds alumni comprise nearly 65% of all mentors. 

Bringing Industry to the Classroom

Our community’s impact extends beyond mentoring. Each semester, hundreds of seasoned professionals step into our classrooms to share their knowledge and spark curiosity. As guest speakers, judges, panelists and advisors, they bring the business world to Leeds, offering students a firsthand look at the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Impact Highlights: 

• Over 2,200 professional engagements in 2023-24. 
• 683 guest speakers and case competition judges. 
• 133 partners serving on six advisory boards. 

A Journey of Engagement 

Few embody the spirit of the Leeds community more than Chase Prieve (MKTG'14). His 15-year journey from mentee to mentor is a powerful testament to the impact of community engagement. Starting as a freshman mentee, Prieve found the guidance and inspiration that fueled his growth. Recognizing the profound value of mentorship, he quickly transitioned to becoming a mentor himself and has remained deeply committed to this role ever since. 

Over the years, Prieve has guided more than 30 students, facilitated numerous internships and continually enriched the Leeds community through his roles as a guest speaker, pitch competition judge and champion of entrepreneurship initiatives. 

[box color="white" style="filled" float="none"]

“The thing I'm most proud of is being part of something bigger than myself and watching it grow. Giving back isn't just about money; it's about your talent and time. You've got to give back to a community that has given you so much,”

reflected Prieve.

[/box]

Off

The Leeds School of Business continues to strengthen its position as a hub for academic excellence, bolstered by generous donor support.

The Faculty Scholars initiative at Leeds provides discretionary funding to pre-tenured and non-tenured faculty, supporting their pursuit of ambitious research projects and innovative teaching methods. In the 2023-24 academic year, donor support enabled 17 faculty members to make notable contributions in their fields, enhancing Leeds' reputation for excellence in business education and research. 

Fueling Research Excellence

The Faculty Scholars initiative provides researchers with the resources to tackle complex business challenges. Academic research often faces challenges of limited funding and up-front investments of time and effort to start a project. This financial support helps faculty access crucial data, hire research assistants and present findings at international conferences. Assistant Professor Bryce Schonberger, the John E. Nesland Faculty Scholar whose research delves into emerging trends in financial markets, exemplifies this impact. 

“The funding provided for faculty at Leeds is immensely helpful, both in funding the data and resources for projects and for permitting faculty to present their work at conferences and other universities,”

said Schonberger.

Innovating in the Classroom

Teaching Assistant Professor Jeremiah Contreras, the Kala and Shiv Khatri Endowed Faculty Scholar, demonstrates the initiative's transformative impact on teaching by using these funds to integrate cutting-edge technology into business education. His efforts focus on incorporating generative AI and data analysis projects into both undergraduate and graduate courses, providing students with practical skills while also exploring the ethical implications of AI use. This comprehensive approach equips students for the rapidly evolving, AI-driven landscape of modern business. 

“The positive feedback from students who have expressed how these AI initiatives have enhanced their learning experience is a testament to the impact of your support,”

said Contreras.

Exploring New Frontiers 

Teaching Professor Tracy Jennings, the RK Landmark Faculty Scholar, is leading the charge in incorporating virtual reality into business education. Her work investigates how VR technology can enhance learning experiences, particularly in areas like public speaking and interview skills. Supported by the Faculty Scholars initiative, Jennings is exploring cutting-edge VR applications to establish Leeds as a pioneer in educational technology innovation. This forward-thinking approach is preparing students for a future where immersive technologies play a crucial role in business practices. 

“I truly believe that VR will be important for education, especially when it combines with AI to create applications that provide more and more difficult practice as your skills increase,”

explained Jennings.

Building a Foundation for Future Success 

These Faculty Scholars, combined with Leeds' seven professorships and six endowed chairs, are propelling the school to new heights of academic achievement. Through groundbreaking research and classroom innovation, they are shaping business practices and preparing the next generation of leaders. As Leeds continues to push boundaries in business education, Faculty Scholars remain crucial drivers of success, ensuring the school's position at the forefront of business education and research for years to come.  

Click here to review the 2023-24 Leeds Faculty Report  

Off

The Leeds School of Business thrives on the strength of its network.

At Leeds, our greatest strength lies in our community—a vibrant network of alumni, business partners and supporters. This dedicated group fuels a dynamic environment where students don’t just learn—they thrive. Through the power of mentorship and real-world engagement, our community brings education to life, strengthens relationships and propels students toward their fullest potential. 

Mentorship: A Cornerstone of the Leeds Experience 

For 15 years, our mentorship programs have connected our community with students, providing guidance, dedicated support and valuable connections that drive personal and professional growth.  A transformative gift in 2012 helped shape the program into what it is today, expanding its reach and ensuring comprehensive support for students at every stage of their academic journey.  

Impact Highlights: 

• Over 9,000 student-mentor partnerships since the program's inception.
• 54% of the Class of 2024 engaged in mentoring programs during their time at Leeds. 
• 1,231 professional mentors across graduate and undergraduate programs.
• Leeds alumni comprise nearly 65% of all mentors. 

Bringing Industry to the Classroom

Our community’s impact extends beyond mentoring. Each semester, hundreds of seasoned professionals step into our classrooms to share their knowledge and spark curiosity. As guest speakers, judges, panelists and advisors, they bring the business world to Leeds, offering students a firsthand look at the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Impact Highlights: 

• Over 2,200 professional engagements in 2023-24. 
• 683 guest speakers and case competition judges. 
• 133 partners serving on six advisory boards. 

A Journey of Engagement 

Few embody the spirit of the Leeds community more than Chase Prieve (MKTG'14). His 15-year journey from mentee to mentor is a powerful testament to the impact of community engagement. Starting as a freshman mentee, Prieve found the guidance and inspiration that fueled his growth. Recognizing the profound value of mentorship, he quickly transitioned to becoming a mentor himself and has remained deeply committed to this role ever since. 

Over the years, Prieve has guided more than 30 students, facilitated numerous internships and continually enriched the Leeds community through his roles as a guest speaker, pitch competition judge and champion of entrepreneurship initiatives. 

“The thing I'm most proud of is being part of something bigger than myself and watching it grow. Giving back isn't just about money; it's about your talent and time. You've got to give back to a community that has given you so much,”

reflected Prieve.

Related Articles