Former Boeing president and CEO to help business students soar to career success in new course
Leanne Caret, K-State alumna, brings executive experience to K-State classroom in spring 2026.
Leanne Caret speaks with students in the College of Business Administration on the importance of leading with authenticity. Photo courtesy of Max Sene. | Download this photo.
Kansas State University students will soon have a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the most accomplished executives in American business and hear firsthand insights from a network of top global leaders.
Leanne Caret has spent her career defying gravity, first in the aerospace industry — where she shattered glass ceilings by becoming the first female business leader at her company — and now in the way she inspires people and organizations. Next semester, she's bringing her leadership philosophy and experience home to Kansas State University.
Caret, a K-State alumna and former president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, will teach a new course in the College of Business Administration during the spring 2026 semester: Leading in Business Organizations. The class, which is open to both undergraduate and graduate students, will feature in-person discussions with Caret and virtual and in-person guest appearances from top executives and industry leaders.
Guest speakers will include Greg Case, CEO of Aon; Steve Lacy, former chairman and CEO of Meredith Corporation and current Vistage Chair — CEO advisor; K-State First Lady Sally Linton; and other distinguished executives to be announced.
A veteran CEO and Fortune 100 director with more than 35 years of experience, Caret is widely recognized for her transformative leadership. She was named to Fortune's Most Powerful Women list for five consecutive years, from 2017 to 2021, and has led some of the world's most complex organizations. As the first woman to head a major business unit at The Boeing Company, she inspired her teams to innovate and excel.
Now, she’s channeling that experience into the classroom.
"Leadership isn't about authority — it's about authenticity," Caret said. "My goal is to help students explore what kind of leaders they want to be and how they can make a difference, no matter their title or field. It all starts with grit, gumption, grace and gratitude — the four G's that have guided me throughout my career."
In addition to her historic tenure at Boeing, Caret serves on the boards of Deere & Company, RTX — formerly Raytheon Technologies, the K-State Foundation, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the USO. She also advises organizations through Blackstone and MyNextSeason, helping leaders navigate change with courage and purpose.
"Leanne Caret's course will give our students an extraordinary window into business leadership at the highest levels," said Marcia Hornung, Menard family director, Center for Principled Business. "Her ability to connect strategic thinking with human-centered leadership is exactly the kind of learning experience that prepares students for the real world."
Caret currently serves as an Executive in Residence in the College of Business Administration, mentoring students and faculty alike on leadership, innovation and organizational transformation. Her return to the classroom reflects her ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of Wildcats ready to lead with impact.
Learn more and register for the course.
###