University of Illinois associate dean to lead Leeds

David L. Ikenberry

David L. Ikenberry, associate dean in the College of Business at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, has been named dean of the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder effective Feb. 14.

Ikenberry succeeds Interim Dean Manuel Laguna after a national search. Laguna has served as interim dean of the Leeds School of Business since November 2009, succeeding Dennis Ahlburg, who accepted the presidency of Trinity University in San Antonio.

"David Ikenberry impressed the committee and me with his vision and desire to take the Leeds School of Business to all new levels of success," said CU-Boulder Provost Russell L. Moore. "His leadership at the University of Illinois as associate dean, and his recognized excellence in the classroom as a professor, give him the kind of student-centered perspective that will inspire our faculty, staff and students. We are delighted to welcome him to the University of Colorado Boulder."

Since 1990, Ikenberry has held faculty and administrative appointments at Rice University, the University of Washington and the University of Illinois. In his present position, Ikenberry oversees degree and nondegree executive education for the University of Illinois College of Business.

"Being named dean of the Leeds School of Business is a true privilege," Ikenberry said. "This business school, one of the oldest in the country, has a reputation for innovative programs and curricula. The school's alumni, faculty and students have worked hard to position the school well. I plan to continue that collaboration as we advance Leeds and its impact as one of the nation's great business schools."

Ikenberry teaches investments and corporate finance and has been recognized for his excellent work in the classroom as a professor. In 2002, Business Week named him one of the best instructors in the nation. He also has been honored with teaching awards during his tenure at both Illinois and Rice University.

Alumnus and member of the school's advisory board Michael Leeds said the new dean has a solid foundation on which to build.

"I am very excited about finding such a qualified individual for the position," Leeds said. "His research and teaching background bodes well for an exciting future for excellence both in the classroom and academically. Additionally, I am enthused with his experience and commitment to corporate and social responsibility and ethics."

Ikenberry's research, widely cited in both the academic literature and the popular press, also is focused on investments and corporate finance. Much of his past research delves into how financial decisions reveal information about corporations and the extent to which that news affects markets.

In addition to his academic career, Ikenberry has been an adviser to numerous executives over the years on a variety of financial matters and serves on the Board of Trustees at Carle Foundation Hospital and on the board of directors of First Busey Corporation, both in Illinois.

Ikenberry earned his doctorate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1990, his master's degree at Northwestern University in 1985 and his bachelor's degree at The Pennsylvania State University in 1983.