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Career Paths: How Matt Schottland Turned a Love of Numbers into a Dual Degree and a Startup

Jane Majkiewicz — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:59:26 +0000

Career Paths: How Matt Schottland Turned a Love of Numbers into a Dual Degree and a Startup Jane Majkiewicz Mon, 03/31/2025 - 14:59

Jane Majkiewicz

Matt Schottland is building Brain Buffs, an adaptive SAT prep platform, with a CU alumni/student team—while wrapping up undergrad, starting a master’s, and tackling tax season at KPMG.

Matt Schottland’s (Fin, Acct’25) love of numbers was sparked at age 12 when his dad sat him and his siblings down to explain the stock market. “I really liked it,” Schottland said, “because it taught me about the world around me and how companies work.” Two hours later, he was the proud owner of a single share of Domino’s Pizza.

Since then, there are other numbers that have stood out to Schottland. One is the 4+1 Bachelor’s Accelerated Master’s Program—a lure for coming to Leeds (and after a disappointing freshman year elsewhere, his family’s Buff legacy was also too compelling to overlook).

That defining event when he was 12 convinced Schottland that finance would be his future focus. At Leeds, he also discovered he loves the concrete rules associated with accounting. Blending that with the often unpredictable nature of finance led him to pursue a major in both.

A few more numbers have defined his time at Leeds. He has a 3.98 GPA, he has worked at three competitive internships (Medtronic, Lockheed Martin and KPMG), and last year, he launched his own startup, Brain Buffs, which now includes a team of nine CU students and alumni.

Brain Buffs is an AI-driven, adaptive learning platform designed to help students improve their SAT scores through personalized test prep. To date, the company boasts that students using the platform have improved their scores by an average of 150 points.

The benefits of real-world experience

This spring is no exception to Schottland’s desire to excel. He took the semester off to fully immerse himself in the “crazy busy tax season” at his internship at KPMG.

“My mindset has really been to try as many things as I can while I’m in a position where it’s acceptable to do so." He has intentionally sought internships to explore both the finance and accounting realms, in line with his dual interests.

“My mindset has really been to try as many things as I can while I’m in a position where it’s acceptable to do so."

Matt Schottland (Fin, Acct’25)

Now preparing to complete his senior year this fall, Schottland is especially excited about how the BAM program is structured.

“The program is run very well. … They’re really intentional in how they plan it. In my final semester of undergrad this fall, I have concurrent enrollment, with classes that apply both to my undergrad and to the grad school. That made the program compelling.”

Entrepreneurial momentum

The idea behind Brain Buffs took root in high school, but it was the entrepreneurial energy at CU that gave it momentum. Together with his brother, Logan (a 2024 CU alumnus now working as a software engineer at SpaceX), they launched the company with their team and began a yearlong development journey that resulted in partnerships with five Colorado schools and plans for expansion across the state and beyond.

As the team continues to refine their algorithm, they envision broader applications—preparing students for the ACT and many other types of learning. Despite the trend toward test-optional admissions, Schottland believes standardized tests like the SAT will remain important in states like Colorado, which still require the test to gauge proficiency levels.

Learning by doing

Even as he enters the master’s phase of his education, Schottland is doubling down on growing Brain Buffs. He sees a direct link between his coursework and the startup’s evolution—particularly experiences like the BCOR Applied Semester Experience (BASE), which he described as a critical turning point.

“You work with successful companies … You’re writing out financials, doing opportunity summaries, you’re looking at competitors … these aren’t just theoretical. It’s actually doing these things.”

A cycle of support

As Brain Buffs scales, Schottland has tapped into a wide range of resources offered through Leeds and ��ɫ��Ƶ. At the time of publication, the company had applied to the New Venture Challenge and was awaiting results to see if they will qualify for the next round.

“If we went through the entire competition and didn’t win funding, I would still be happy,” he said. “It’s great connections, and you get to be part of a great community of startups. That’s amazing to be part of, and it’s great publicity for Brain Buffs.”

Brain Buffs also participated in Startups2Students—an initiative that led to hiring four CU students—and collaborated with the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic, a partnership Schottland said saved the company nearly $50,000 in legal fees.

“The more you get involved, the more impressive CU’s startup culture is. All these amazing people with all these smart ideas, and they’re just going for it. They’re making a real impact.”

“In Leeds and CU in general, there’s a sentiment that no idea is too crazy, and nothing is too hard to solve. It’s not ‘Can this happen?’ but rather, ‘How can we do this?’”

“There are so many resources to make you successful,” he said. That mentality, combined with programs like Peer2Peer Mentoring, has helped Schottland build meaningful relationships with fellow students and industry professionals alike.

“In Leeds and CU in general, there’s a sentiment that no idea is too crazy, and nothing is too hard to solve. It’s not ‘Can this happen?’ but rather, ‘How can we do this?’”

Matt Schottland (Fin, Acct’25)

“It’s worth it to get involved early because Leeds’ resources are well built-out programs. They’re really intentional and they pay a lot of dividends as you progress at Leeds.”

For Schottland, one major dividend has been the reward of knowing he is helping other students. “I’ve been working a lot, but it’s because I love it. It’s just so rewarding and fun for me. If I’m up at night working, I know there’s a student out there also working. The students really drive me to keep going.”

Want to get your entrepreneurial ideas off the ground? Connect with the Deming Center.

Matt Schottland is building Brain Buffs, an adaptive SAT prep platform, with a CU alumni/student team—while wrapping up undergrad, starting a master’s, and tackling tax season at KPMG.

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Leeds Builds Momentum in Faculty Research Excellence with Major Jumps in UTD Rankings

Jane Majkiewicz — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 20:48:57 +0000

Leeds Builds Momentum in Faculty Research Excellence with Major Jumps in UTD Rankings Jane Majkiewicz Wed, 03/26/2025 - 14:48

Faculty research across all business disciplines at the Leeds School of Business earned impressive recognition in the latest University of Texas at Dallas rankings, achieving the school's highest rankings ever.

Colorado’s top business school advanced from No. 40 to No. 31 on the latest University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) rankings for North American business schools, and from No. 49 to No. 39 worldwide, based on research published between 2020 and 2024. Significant leaps, particularly in accounting (No. 15, up 47 spots), management information systems (No. 29, up 39 spots), and operations management (No. 29, up 17 spots), reflect the caliber of Leeds’ world-class faculty.

UTD rankings by discipline showcase dramatic shifts, especially in accounting, management information systems and operations management.

“This improvement in our research ranking is a direct result of the dedication, innovation and collaboration across our faculty,” said Dan Zhang, associate dean for research and academics at Leeds. “We’re investing in the ideas, people and partnerships that will keep driving our research impact forward,” he said.

Tackling complex issues

Leeds faculty continue to tackle some of the biggest questions and challenges in business. From 2020 to 2024, they published an impressive 152 articles in The Accounting Review, Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Financial Economics, Journal of Operations Management, Journal of Consumer Research, Information Systems Research and the Strategic Management Journal, among other leading publications.

Recent faculty research highlights include:

Fake news and stock manipulation: Assistant Professor Austin Moss co-authored a study uncovering how misinformation impacts stock prices, with serious implications for investor protection.
Breaking barriers for women entrepreneurs: Assistant Professor Ethan Poskanzer sheds light on the hidden barriers women face in mentorship networks.
Better ways to complete tasks: Assistant Professor Ying Zeng uncovers surprising behaviors when it comes to completing mundane tasks.
Bias in hiring practices: Research from associate professors David Hekman and Stefanie Johnson provides actionable strategies to address biases when hiring women.
The rental economy’s impacts: Associate Professor Stephen Billings’ work reveals the negative effects of institutional investors on American neighborhoods.
Different shades of ESG: Assistant professors Simona Abis and Andrea Buffa reveal ambiguities and mixed messages when it comes to ESG claims in mutual funds.

Zhang noted these examples demonstrate that research at Leeds isn’t just theoretical—it’s driving conversations in industry, policy and society.

Connecting academia and industry

Leeds’ faculty research plays an important role in shaping next-generation leaders. Through applied learning opportunities at Leeds’ Centers of Excellence, Leeds connects top academic minds with industry leaders to facilitate a powerful exchange. Recent examples, such as the Burridge Center Sustainable Finance Discussions and the Annual CU Real Estate Forum demonstrate the bridge Leeds creates to enable practitioners to benefit from cutting-edge research, while faculty gain insights into the pressing issues industries are facing.

Additionally, the school’s new Initiative for Global Business Impact, launching this fall, will further invest in Leeds’ world-class business research infrastructure to foster connections with global communities, said Vijay Khatri, Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean of the Leeds School of Business.

"With this new initiative, we will collaborate with leading global partners and scholars to build trusted business research that addresses large-scale societal challenges," said Distinguished Professor John G. Lynch Jr., who will lead the new initiative.

A bright future

The UTD rankings, developed in 1990 by the Naveen Jindal School of Management, are widely considered a gold standard for evaluating the research productivity of business schools. By tracking faculty publications in the 24 most respected business journals, these rankings highlight institutions making foundational contributions to the business world.

“Our rise in research productivity is a direct reflection of the strength, ambition and impact of our faculty,” said Sarah Zechman, senior associate dean of faculty and professor of accounting.

“That reputation for excellence continues to attract top scholars from leading institutions such as Columbia, Michigan, Duke, MIT and the University of North Carolina—further enriching our academic community and reinforcing our momentum. Their work not only enhances our academic environment but also drives insights that shape business practice and enrich the learning experience for our students,” she said.

By continuing to invest in innovative ideas, cutting-edge research and strong partnerships, Leeds is poised to deepen its impact. As prime examples of propelling research innovation, Dean Khatri pointed to alumni investments in developing more than 30 Faculty Scholars, and the gift for the newly named Michael A. Klump Real Estate Center, which includes a faculty chair and professorship.

Shaping the Business Landscape

Leeds’ influence extends beyond research output, with faculty achieving prominent recognition for their contributions. Recent accomplishments include:

Prestigious honors: Distinguished Professor of Marketing John Lynch received the AMA-Irwin-McGraw-Hill Distinguished Marketing Educator of the Year for his exceptional scholarship, teaching and mentorship.
Top-tier editorial influence: Professor of Information Systems Jason Thatcher, who was ranked as the most prolific scholar in the top four journals by the 2024 Association for Information Systems research rankings, was appointed the senior editor of MIS Quarterly. Assistant Professor of Marketing Liu Liu was recognized by Marketing Science for her outstanding service as a member of their editorial board.
Policy impact: Finance professor Ed Van Wesep testified before the Colorado House Committee on Business Affairs and Labor concerning the Earned Wage Access Service Provider Bill, directly informing legislative decisions.
Community collaboration: David Gross, teaching professor and associate chair of the finance division, serves on high-impact boards like the Boulder Community Health Foundation and CollegeInvest.

In addition, Leeds faculty regularly lend their expertise to leading industry events. The school will host the Choice Symposium in summer 2026 and the 2027 INFORMS Revenue Management and Pricing (RMP) Section Conference.

Faculty research at the Leeds School of Business earned impressive recognition in the latest University of Texas at Dallas rankings for North American business schools and worldwide.

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The Rising Threat of Fake News in Financial Markets

Kelsey Cipolla — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:12:17 +0000

The Rising Threat of Fake News in Financial Markets Kelsey Cipolla Wed, 03/19/2025 - 10:12

A new study shows how misinformation is manipulating stock prices and harming investors, but greater transparency can help fight back.

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The Future of ESG: Insights from the Burridge Center's Sustainable Finance Discussions

Jane Majkiewicz — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:59:23 +0000

The Future of ESG: Insights from the Burridge Center's Sustainable Finance Discussions Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 03/18/2025 - 09:59

Jane Majkiewicz • Photos by Cody Johnston

With intellectual discourse as a foundation for enhancing knowledge, the Burridge Center’s Sustainable Finance Discussions held on March 13 provided a lively platform for experts to gather and share insights on the future of ESG.

At a time of uncertainty in the world of environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives, the Burridge Center's Sustainable Finance Discussions offered a unique opportunity for thought leaders from academia and industry to delve into the complexities of navigating sustainability in an ever-evolving financial world.

More than 100 attendees explored topics at the intersection of finance, climate and technology under the theme of “ESG: What does the future hold?”

A platform for exchange

Shaun Davies, Faculty Director of the Burridge Center

“Bridging the gap between finance academics and practitioners—theory to practice—creates a powerful exchange: Our finance research faculty gain insight into the real-world challenges facing the finance industry, while practitioners benefit from the cutting-edge research emerging from the Leeds School of Business,” said Shaun Davies, associate professor of Finance at Leeds and the faculty director of the Burridge Center.

“This collaboration drives innovation and ensures that research and practice evolve hand in hand,” Davies said. Nourishing relationships within the Leeds ecosystem of faculty, alumni, students and business partners promotes a thriving, forward-thinking business community.

Among the attendees was Amanda Krakauer, vice president of the Evergreen Team at Bow River Capital. "I work in the private equity industry and was invited to attend the summit by a colleague and ��ɫ��Ƶ alum," Krakauer said.

“The discussions on evolving ESG disclosure requirements highlighted the shifting regulatory landscape, while the deep dive into how investment managers are incorporating ESG principles provided a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities in sustainable investing. The event also provided a valuable opportunity to engage with students, professors and peers on the future of responsible investing,” she noted.

Research insights: Green facts from green fiction

Leeds faculty Asaf Bernstein and Simona Abis shared insights from their leading research and scholarship.

Leeds Finance faculty members (left to right):
Brian Waters, Asaf Bernstein, Andrea Buffa and Simona Abis

Bernstein, an associate professor of Finance and the co-director of the Center for Research on Consumer Financial Decision Making, shared key takeaways from his one-year tenure as a senior academic advisor to the Securities and Exchange Commission. He amused the audience with anecdotes about his career trajectory, which included navigating the subprime mortgage crisis of 2008 and the “flash crash” of 2010. These experiences, he explained, helped shape his ability to assess uncertainty and risk.

While the SEC disclosure rule approved in 2024 currently hangs in the balance, Bernstein reminded attendees that “Blue Sky laws”—state-level securities regulations—existed before the SEC ruling, and they will continue to play a role in ensuring that disclosures are not misleading or false. He further emphasized that “private stakeholder standards and preferences always matter.”

Abis, an assistant professor of Finance, provided a deep dive into ESG classification, revealing gaps between marketing claims and actual fund structures.

She, along with Assistant Professor of Finance Andrea Buffa, analyzed mutual funds using ESG terminology and found that only 20% of them truly qualify as impact funds. Their painstaking, manual review of prospectuses highlighted the inconsistencies in ESG labeling.

“It is crucial to make these distinctions to understand capital allocation preferences and the real impact ESG investments might have,” she said.

Industry perspective: Risks, rewards and resilience

Following the faculty presentations, Angela Bricmont, the CFO of Denver Water, brought an industry perspective on the financial risks posed by climate change.

Angela Bricmont, CFO of Denver Water

“Climate risks are absolutely playing out, and those are on top of historic underinvestment in infrastructure,” Bricmont said. She emphasized that “you can’t build anything if you don’t have water or energy,” cautioning attendees that “… preparing for climate risk in disclosures is absolutely sound business.”

Bricmont’s remarks underscored a key takeaway: The intersection of finance and sustainability requires not only compliance but also strategic adaptation for long-term resilience.

Future implications: the fate of ESG disclosures

As attendees asked questions during the Q&A session, one topic centered on the potential of XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language), a framework for creating structured communications. Abis highlighted XBRL’s potential for analyzing massive amounts of data. “When you think about it that way … XBRL is a huge, huge help.”

For Leeds alumnus Harris Cunningham (Fin’24), the managing director of Boulder Angels, the ability to engage in thought-provoking discussion was what made the event especially rewarding. "It was a rare opportunity to learn about and ask questions surrounding ESG/finance research at CU. I loved the diversity of attendees, including lobbying groups, wealth managers, municipal water facilities, angel investors, students, early-stage startups and others. It made for very stimulating conversation during dinner."

Events like the Burridge Center's Sustainable Finance Discussions ensure that academia and industry remain in dialogue—advancing knowledge, fostering collaboration and shaping next-generation leaders. Learn more about programs and events at the Burridge Center for Finance.

With intellectual discourse as a foundation for enhancing knowledge, the Burridge Center's Sustainable Finance Discussions provided a lively platform for sharing insights on the future of ESG.

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Live, Laugh, Lotus: Why Group Texting During 'The White Lotus' Feels So Good

Kelsey Cipolla — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:43:24 +0000

Live, Laugh, Lotus: Why Group Texting During 'The White Lotus' Feels So Good Kelsey Cipolla Wed, 03/12/2025 - 10:43

New research reveals that second-screening—using a phone, tablet or laptop while watching—can enhance your experience and boost social connections.

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The Annual CU Real Estate Forum: Helping Shape Careers in Commercial Real Estate

Jane Majkiewicz — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 03:15:31 +0000

The Annual CU Real Estate Forum: Helping Shape Careers in Commercial Real Estate Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 03/11/2025 - 21:15

Attendance at the Annual CU Real Estate Forum helps students unlock networking opportunities and gain important industry knowledge and connections.

For senior real estate major Jonah Duran (left), attending the 28th Annual CU Real Estate Forum this March “provided ample networking opportunities between classmates and industry professionals.” That momentum is invaluable as he prepares to launch his career as a broker for Unique Properties in Denver, focusing on industrial, retail, and office investment sales and leasing.

“I’m excited about a career in commercial real estate brokerage because it combines relationship building, market expertise and deal-making in a dynamic, results-driven environment,” he said. “The ability to directly impact businesses and investors while navigating complex transactions is both challenging and rewarding.”

The forum as a catalyst for career growth

“We emphasize that students should engage early and often in experiential education opportunities,” said Erin Penberthy, a Leeds career coach for real estate. Career treks, internships, student organizations, and events like the Real Estate Forum provide valuable networking and learning opportunities, she said.

“Networking is key to the job and internship process, and students who invest in it and research companies before applying tend to have positive career outcomes,” she said. “The Real Estate Forum gives students a fantastic opportunity to not only hear about current industry trends but also meet future employers.”

A premier industry event

“This year’s forum took the event to another level,” said Julie Gibson, Sherman R. Miller Executive Director of the real estate center. The event attracted “top national and local speakers, educating students, alumni and employers around top issues in the real estate industry.”

Among the 300 attendees, 72 were students eager to network and learn from industry leaders, including Willy Walker, CEO and chair of Walker & Dunlop, and Michael Klump, whose 2024 gift established the newly named Michael A. Klump Center for Real Estate.

Key takeaways from industry leaders

Duran echoed forum presenters’ insights about Denver’s growing market, seeing his role as having a prime opportunity to add value. Understanding emerging trends, such as water issues and AI in real estate, was another major draw.

He particularly valued Walker's keynote. As an executive who grew Walker & Dunlop from 46 employees in 2003 to a public company with more than 1,400 employees and recognized as a best place to work over consecutive years, Walker shared key career lessons.

“His inspiring success story and well-spoken nature made listening to his conversation a treat,” said Duran. “Having a good mentor, working hard and trying different things were the main themes he spoke about, all of which I plan on implementing in my career.”

Leeds senior and real estate major Kourtney Stetler (left) agreed. “The Willy Walker presentation was incredibly insightful, especially as a soon-to-be graduate. He shared how, after finishing school, he had the choice between accepting a full-time job or traveling to Paraguay to work with a family friend. Taking a leap of faith, he chose to travel, learn a new language, and gain a broader perspective—an experience that shaped his future career.”

Walker also highlighted the highs and lows of commercial real estate. “There are real estate developers in here that have taken massive risks,” he said, encouraging the audience to accept that as part of the process. He discussed his own experience with layoffs and falling stock prices, citing them as competitive pressures that inspire him to drive new goals.

His advice to students: “Create a career that doesn’t feel like work.”

The importance of mentors and internships

Michael Klump, who spoke about his career and generous gift to the center, also emphasized taking risks—one being time and knowing how to protect it. His early passion for real estate led to his success in acquiring and developing shopping centers. He emphasized the value of internships and mentorships.

Professional Mentors at Leeds

In 2024, the Leeds Professional Mentorship Program for juniors and seniors experienced record growth, with 773 students taking advantage of the program—a 32 percent jump—and a total of 867 mentors. Learn more about the program and the impact of mentors.

Internships played a significant role for Duran. “I interned at Northmarq on the Portfolio and Asset Management team and at Denver Angel Investments in investment due diligence, both of which helped me develop financial analysis skills and gain exposure to real estate and investment transactions.” He also cited the CU Real Estate Case Competition as a key learning experience.

“Collaborating with my team to build an acquisition model and presenting to industry professionals strengthened my analytical and communication skills, ultimately guiding me toward a career in real estate brokerage.”

Stetler has found mentorship equally valuable. “Being matched with someone who aligns with my interests has been incredibly helpful. My mentor has introduced me to real estate professionals for informational interviews,” she said. “I appreciate the strong relationships I have built with professors, mentors and career coaches, as I believe these connections will be instrumental in my career development.”

The rise of tech in real estate

The event also showcased two industry panels: “The Ripple Effect: Navigating Water Scarcity in Colorado’s Growing Communities,” moderated by Luke Runyon of The Water Desk, and “Real Estate Meets AI: Evaluating the Credibility of AI in Commercial Real Estate,” moderated by Calandra Cruikshank of Statebook International.

Leeds junior Yashwant Chapagain (left) found the discussions enlightening. “I learned so many things. The AI in Real Estate presentation was especially fascinating. I was relieved to hear panelists say they don’t believe AI will replace people and that this is an exciting time for the industry. One panelist noted that career trajectories are going to change vastly, which I also found interesting.”

Looking ahead: A bright future in real estate

“The center’s introductions to industry professionals made it easier to connect and increased my confidence,” said Chapagain. “The center has been supportive in giving us all the resources we need to be successful.”

As Duran looks ahead, he’s “eager to develop deep local knowledge, negotiate creative solutions and drive successful outcomes for clients.”

“On the horizon for the center is to keep serving students well, growing programs, attracting talent and creating a strategic plan to increase experiential and applied learning,” said Gibson.

Sponsors of the 2025 CU Real Estate Forum

Leeds extends its gratitude to sponsoring presenter Kirkpatrick Bank and the following sponsors (in alphabetical order) who helped make the forum possible.

ARES Industrial Management
Brownstein
Centennial Realty Advisors
CBRE
Colorado Real Estate Journal
Conscience Bay Company
East West Partners
Goldberg Properties Inc.

Hampton Yards
Holland & Hart
Lincoln
Nichols Partnership
Oakwood Real Estate Partners
Pennrose
Pless Law Firm
Trailbreak Partners
The W.W. Reynolds Companies

Students attending the annual CU Real Estate Forum get opportunities to network with industry leaders, gain insights into key trends, and carve out their career paths.

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Career Launchpad: First-Year Students Explore Careers Through On-Site Events

Jane Majkiewicz — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 21:58:17 +0000

Career Launchpad: First-Year Students Explore Careers Through On-Site Events Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 03/11/2025 - 15:58

Jane Majkiewicz

The Leeds First-Year Experience Program offers Career Launchpad events to give students exposure to career options and networking opportunities with industry professionals. A recent career trek to Sprouts Farmers Market provided an invaluable education in the operational decisions for balancing sustainability with profitability.

Leeds alumna Chelsea Walters (Mktg’10), a district director at Sprouts, explained the complex logistics involved in getting produce to a grocery store.

A banana has a long trip from South America to a grocery store in the U.S. It’s not just the shipping, but also the packaging, storage and ripening—each step a critical link to ensure quality.

That’s one piece of the food system puzzle that seven first-year students discovered during a recent visit to Sprouts in Boulder. In a way, the students could relate that banana’s trek to their own college journeys as they ripen their ideas and become ready for careers.

Through the Career Launchpad program, students engage in volunteering, attend speaking events with successful Leeds graduates, visit company sites and begin working with career coaches to craft their professional journey. The program not only leads to potential internships, summer jobs and networking connections, but it also helps students shape their paths from sophomore through senior year, building a real-world business acumen and skills to stand out in a competitive job market.

The business of fresh food

About the Career Launchpad

Through the First-Year Experience’s Career Launchpad, students attend events and earn resources and materials, such as a portfolio, to help prepare for their careers.

“Our goal is to introduce students to a range of career opportunities in their first year and initiate networking with local industries, as well as in sectors where we have strong connections,” said Marcus Bell, assistant director of the First-Year Experience program.

“By bringing these opportunities directly to students, we aim to create a more approachable and less intimidating experience,” he said. “The foundation for a successful career begins with meaningful connections and experiences, and at Leeds, we are here to support students every step of the way.”

Upcoming Events

March 14: Mini Career Trek to the Pepsi Campus in Denver

March 17: Community Food Share in Broomfield

April 4: Mini Career Trek to BioMed Realty (Blackstone) in Boulder

April 18: Mini Career Trek to United Airlines

April 26: Community Food Share in Broomfield

Students can learn more about upcoming Career Launchpad events by accessing the First-Year Experience Canvas page and checking their email for announcements.

Sprouts Farmers Market, with 440 stores across 23 states, aims to expand to 1,200 stores nationwide. Its mission to foster healthy eating at an affordable price is accompanied by a commitment to sustainable business practices, including prioritizing employee well-being and thriving communities.

During the visit, Jeremy Davis, a 17-year Sprouts employee, shared his career path from a produce clerk to a district director overseeing 12 stores. He also explained what it was like to land in his current role in 2020, just as the pandemic hit—an unprecedented time that transformed supply chains and retail practices.

Keeping costs and sustainability in balance

Leeds alumna Chelsea (Schaul) Walters (Mktg’10), also a district director at Sprouts, provided students with insights on Sprouts’ humble beginnings as a fruit truck to acquiring other stores and expanding into a national grocery chain.

First-year Sofia Rivera posed the first question: “How do you keep products affordable?”

Walters explained that Sprouts strives to develop long-term agreements with local farmers and vendors to stabilize costs, supporting sustainability and local economies.

Sprouts adheres to a 250-mile transportation rule for its produce from its own distribution warehouses. This strategy not only ensures freshness but also reduces emissions.

For first-year student Marcus Zoldak, those logistics were eye-opening. "I thought it must be really difficult to be a for-profit company and also be for the consumer and for sustainability," he said. Both he and Rivera were especially impressed by Sprouts’ emphasis on mental health and workplace well-being as part of their sustainability initiatives.

Behind the scenes of a grocery store

Store manager Luke Archibeque guided students through the intricate process of receiving, sorting and managing fresh produce within a three-to-five-day window. With a goal to become a zero-waste company by 2030, Sprouts implements multiple initiatives, including composting food waste, recycling, community programs and donations, and even repurposing bones for fuel.

Walking students through the store’s waste management efforts, Archibeque summed up the company’s philosophy: "Sustainability is responsibility."

He also emphasized the financial aspects of sustainability. "Your budget plays a big role in sustainability." You have to constantly monitor what comes in the building and what goes out, he emphasized.

Walters reinforced this point: "Everything in business has a number." She explained how trash is weighed by the ton, which carries financial implications as they pay to have it removed.

Career paths in sustainability and business

Beyond environmental sustainability, Walters underscored that corporate culture, supply chains, business ethics and social justice issues factor into sustainability efforts. She shared her own career journey—starting in telecommunications and fashion before finding a rewarding path at Sprouts. Her key takeaway? Careers are rarely linear, and students should stay open to unexpected opportunities.

Heidi Hulse, Leeds’ advising supervisor of Undergraduate Programs, encouraged the students to consider the range of possibilities afforded by Leeds’ areas of emphasis and courses. For example, she said the Sprouts trek demonstrated the broad impact of marketing, touching upon customer behavior, pricing strategies, channels, logistics and data analytics. These all offer diverse career opportunities—ones students may not have initially considered or realized, she said.

Rivera, who is considering management and entrepreneurship but is also drawn to business analytics, found Sprouts’ commitment to sustainability particularly inspiring.

"Sustainability is such an important thing in our generation, so I was really pleased to see how much Sprouts does for sustainability and that the cost doesn’t really impact them," she said.

First-year Nathan Vanagas was surprised by the speed at which produce moves through the supply chain. "I guess I never really thought about how long it takes for food to get here," he said.

Vanagas, who is a marketing major considering data analytics or management, left the visit with new career inspiration. "I do want to look into sustainability—I think that would be useful,” he said.

Sprouts store manager Luke Archibeque walked students through the produce process from receiving deliveries to turnover times.

Innovation and future possibilities

Archibeque noted that job titles don’t necessarily have to incorporate sustainability. It’s more about getting your foot in the door and thinking "How can I innovate?"

After digesting a full plate of details, students left with a deeper taste of how business decisions, operations, sustainability and profitability are all ingredients in a purpose-driven organization.

Archibeque left them with a powerful closing thought: "Find a place in the world where you can make a difference—and then go make that difference."

A Career Lauchpad trek to Sprouts Farmers Market provided first-year students an education in the operational decisions for balancing sustainability with profitability.

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How To Survive Mundane Tasks Without Feeling Drained

Kelsey Cipolla — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 16:22:34 +0000

How To Survive Mundane Tasks Without Feeling Drained Kelsey Cipolla Wed, 03/05/2025 - 09:22

From commuting to laundry, new research reveals why approaching the finish line of everyday chores might be depleting—and how to feel better about it.

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State of the School 2025 Highlights

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 17:18:15 +0000

State of the School 2025 Highlights Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 02/28/2025 - 10:18

On February 19, Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean Vijay Khatri welcomed the Leeds community to the State of the School 2025 address.

The event brought together alumni, prospective student families, business leaders and the ��ɫ��Ƶ community for an inspiring discussion of Leeds’ progress and vision for the future as it advances the 2035 Leeds Strategic Plan.

A Legacy of Excellence

Dean Khatri started by celebrating Leeds’ legacy of over a century of excellence. From its humble beginnings in the basement of the Guggenheim Law Building to its admission into the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business in 1938, Leeds has experienced decades of milestones while building a reputation for academic rigor, research innovation and adaptability to a constantly evolving business world. Now, in an era of integrated business, Leeds is helping shape how business connects with a wide variety of fields, including engineering, the arts and sciences.

Leeds in Momentum

The address highlighted Leeds' strengths in student excellence, faculty talent and career outcomes, framed within five areas of impact: pipeline, retention and graduation rates; business acumen and career outcomes; well-being of the Leeds community; the Leeds ecosystem; and academic reputation.

“In 2025, we had a record number of applicants in undergraduate programs,” said Khatri. “We had over 16,000 applicants, a 6% increase from the prior year. First-year retention rates have reached 99%, demonstrating Leeds’ dedication to student success.”

Building on its legacy of faculty excellence, Leeds continues to attract top-tier faculty from institutions like Columbia and Duke, ensuring students learn from experts in their fields. Faculty members are highly recognized for their research across all business disciplines, as evidenced by University of Texas at Dallas’ (UTD) Top 100 Business School Research Rankings. Leeds has also been a leader in technological innovation, with more than 45 courses integrating AI to date.

Among its distinctions, Leeds consistently helps students benefit from exposure to industry leaders, with more than 1,300 guest speakers annually and six advisory boards comprising top professionals in their fields.

2035 Leeds: Strategic Priorities

Looking ahead, Dean Khatri outlined key elements of Leeds’ strategic plan.

Impact-Driven Business Education

Expansion of Design Your Leeds, currently a first-year course, to include additional offerings for third- and fourth-year students.
Introduction of Career Pathways, featuring Business-Leader-In-Residence engagements to explore career opportunities.

Multifaceted Innovation

A major anonymous gift is funding the Initiative for Global Business Impact, enhancing Leeds’ world-class research and academic reputation.
Expansion of collaborative programs, such as the MS in Sustainable Business.

Enrichment of Academic Offerings

Continued integration of AI into the curriculum, with ongoing impact assessment.
Expansion of specialized MS programs in high-demand fields.

Culture of Care

Strengthening community-based learning through partnerships that promote well-being and civic engagement.
Expanding mentorship opportunities to foster interpersonal skills and student support.

Closing the Gap Between Classroom and Career

Dean Khatri emphasized the importance of helping students bridge academics and real-world application. Programs like the Professional Mentorship Program, one of the largest in the nation, play a critical role.

“If you were to add up the numbers, we have close to 1,000 mentors,” said Khatri. “It is an amazing ecosystem, and it's thanks to this network that our students can launch and succeed in their careers.”

Be a Part of Leeds’ Future

Be a Part of Leeds' Future

Engage with Leeds by connecting with students and others in the community, participating in mentorship programs, attending networking events, and joining in the conversation to help shape the next generation of business leaders.

Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean Vijay Khatri presented the State of the School 2025 address, highlighting Leeds' progress and vision for the future.

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Research Linking Concealed Carry Permits to Rising Gun Violence Earns Top Award

Kelsey Cipolla — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 19:00:32 +0000

Research Linking Concealed Carry Permits to Rising Gun Violence Earns Top Award Kelsey Cipolla Wed, 02/26/2025 - 12:00

Leeds professor Stephen Billings wins the inaugural Greenwald Family Award for his groundbreaking study on firearm violence and injury prevention.

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